By Ishola Michael
A University don with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Professor Umar Omeiza Aroke, has advocated a workable programme on Circular Economy (CE) for the environment and safety of the people dwelling therein.
The University Don made the advocacy when he delivered the 47th Inaugural Lecture Series of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi with the title: Waste and Circular Economy: Exploring and Utilizing the Value chain for Wealth Creation and Sustainable Environment.
According to him, “In today’s fast-paced world, sustainability has become a crucial aspect of contemporary business practices and governmental policies. The Circular Economy (CE) model, focusing on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste, is essential for achieving ecological balance and economic prosperity.”
He highlighted the key points to include: Understanding CE versus traditional linear economy, cross-sector collaboration for sustainability and Raising awareness through various platforms.
He also highlighted benefits of CE to include environmental impact which reduces waste and promotes efficient resource use, economic perspective which drives innovation and job creation as well as social benefits which promotes equity and sustainable livelihoods
He recommended the utilisation of technology and innovation for waste management, implementing a robust circular economy roadmap and promoting awareness and participation across all sectors.
He also recommended the enforcement of policies to regulate waste disposal and encourage public-private partnerships for waste management.
Umar Omeiza stated that, “The conversion of waste into useful products, such as adhesive from waste EPS, is a significant achievement in environmental sustainability. Embracing the circular economy is crucial for combating plastic pollution and achieving a cleaner environment.”
In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor of the ATBU, Bauchi, Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba, said that, “If you may recall, during the last inaugural lecture held a few months ago, I promised you that this important academic exercise will no longer be buried, rather, it will come back alive with vigour.
“It was unfortunate that for many years in the past, the inaugural lecture series of the University went comatose, but I am glad that we are gradually resuscitating it and we shall not be complacent in this regard until every Professor in the service of this University has delivered his inaugural lecture.”
He added, “While I commend the efforts of the Ceremonies Committee of the University for their encouraging steps so far at resuscitating the University inaugural lecture, I hereby charge the Committee to further consolidate their efforts by looking outside the University to attract public lecturers so that this aspect of the University education and enlightenment is not allowed to die as well.”
According to him, “There are academics in public service and seasoned administrators who are leading sensitive organs of government and have a lot to share on this platform. I am sure the committee will do the needful in this regard.
The VC then took a few minutes to introduce the inaugural Lecturer, Professor Umar Omeiza Aroke, who was born on 9 March 1971 in the historic Badoko–Orietesu ward of Okene Town, Kogi State, to the illustrious family of late Ahmed Aninya Aroke and late Aminatu Omeneke Ahmed.
He began his formal education at the Local School Management Board Demonstration (I) Primary School, Okene, and proceeded to Abdul Aziz Atta Memorial College, Okene, where he obtained his West African Examinations Council General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level in 1987.
