Posted by Iky ASSAM Jnr., Lagos



The Association of Waste Handlers in Akwa Ibom (AWHAK) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) to ensure a clean and healthy environment in the state.

The Association, a coalition of sixteen private waste management companies in Akwa Ibom, led by the erudite scholar, Elder Tpl. Ime Ukpe, Ph.D., declared their stance on Thursday during a courtesy call on the AKSEPWMA chief, Deacon (Dr) Prince Ikim, at his office in Itam.

Flanked by the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Ndifreke Nyong, Hon. Tuka Eyo, Mr. Ekemini Usen, and Hon. Ibanga Ekpe, all members of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Ukpe, who is the Chairman, informed that the Association has been duly certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to operate.

They eulogized the dedicated efforts of Obong Ikim in waste management and environmental sanitation since his inauguration as Chairman of the Agency in September 2018, and for winning the Cleanest State Award for Akwa Ibom back to back for six consecutive years.

The association, while presenting an award of excellence to Dr. Ikim and presenting him with the T-shirt and cap of the Association, emphasized Dr. Ikim's pivotal role in positioning Akwa Ibom as a beacon of cleanliness in Nigeria.

Expressing their readiness to sustain waste management initiatives, AWHAK reiterated their commitment to advocacy, educational sensitization, and special cleanup exercises. They also pledged to provide waste bins and work closely with AKSEPWMA to uphold cleanliness standards across the state as encapsulated in the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno.

Responding, Obong Prince Ikim expressed gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to the "Unsung Heroes" of AKSEPWMA, acknowledging their tireless efforts in maintaining a clean environment.

The Security expert turned Politician underscored the importance of collaboration and partnership to achieve the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno in making Akwa Ibom the cleanest state in Africa.

To achieve this goal, Dr. Ikim outlined key areas of partnership with AWHAK, including sensitization, awareness creation, and enforcement of environmental regulations. He also announced plans to leverage the expertise of the newly formed Ibom Community Watch (ICW) for enforcement activities.

The multiple award-winning AKSEPWMA honcho emphasized his commitment to conducting comprehensive property enumeration and waste management assessments as well as plans to consult the State House of Assembly for the review of environmental laws to align with international best practices.

Meanwhile, the courtesy call had the presence of AKSEPWMA's management staff, including Mr. Ikpim E. Ikpim, Head of Administration, Mr. Daniel Harry, Head of P.R.S, and Mr. Emmanuel Emah, Head of Waste Management.