EXPERTS, LEADERS, AND STAKEHOLDERS UNITE FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AT THE 2ND EDITION WASTE TO WEALTH, PACKAGING, AND SAFETY SUMMIT 2025

 EXPERTS, LEADERS, AND STAKEHOLDERS UNITE FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AT THE 2ND EDITION WASTE TO WEALTH, PACKAGING, AND SAFETY SUMMIT 2025

The 2nd Edition of the Waste to Wealth, Packaging, and Safety Summit 2025 took place from Tuesday, 7th to Thursday, 9th October 2025, at Golden Tulip Hotels, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Themed “Beyond Waste: Value, Sustainability, Circularity, and Safety,” the three-day event brought together policymakers, environmental experts, business leaders, students, and sustainability advocates to discuss strategies for transforming waste into economic value while protecting the environment.

The opening remarks were delivered by Professor Babatunde Barnerd Bolaji, who chaired the occasion. He commended the organizers for sustaining the initiative and emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt sustainable waste management practices that align with global environmental standards.

The Convener of the Summit, Mr. Amos Atuboyedia, in his address, highlighted the importance of integrating innovation, education, and collaboration in tackling the challenges of waste and packaging safety. He reaffirmed the summit’s vision to create platforms where ideas and actions converge to promote sustainability and circularity within the waste management ecosystem.

The event also had in attendance the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty, King Air Commodore Tamuno-omisiki E. Opuiyo Ogube (Rtd.), the Amanyanabo of Kirike Kingdom, who blessed the gathering and commended the initiative for contributing to environmental awareness and youth empowerment in Rivers State and beyond.

A major highlight of the summit was the participation of resource persons from leading institutions, including CIFAL UNITAR, NESREA, HYPREP, and the Bank of Industry (BOI). These experts shared their wealth of experience on waste management challenges and sustainable solutions. Representatives from CIFAL UNITAR, NESREA, and HYPREP emphasized the need for stronger policies, community engagement, and corporate accountability in managing waste sustainably. The BOI representative enlightened participants on accessing financial support and loans for sustainability projects, encouraging entrepreneurs to explore funding opportunities for recycling and eco-friendly businesses.

Another significant moment was the book launch by Health, Environment and You (HEY), titled “Waste and Waste Management.” The publication, already approved by the government for educational use, aims to promote environmental education among students. Some professionals purchased copies of the book for distribution to secondary schools, supporting efforts to build a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

The summit also featured keynote and technical presentations, panel discussions, cultural displays, exhibitions, starter pack training, and networking sessions. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation among stakeholders committed to turning waste into wealth while ensuring environmental safety.

Organized in collaboration with the Rivers State Government, the summit once again reaffirmed the collective commitment of public and private institutions toward achieving a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment.

Registration for the event was free, with an optional ₦10,000 fee for certificates and materials. For partnership, exhibition, and sponsorship inquiries, interested individuals can contact the organizers via wastesummit2025@gmail.com or 0816 139 3654.

The summit concluded with renewed enthusiasm as participants pledged to continue promoting sustainability, circularity, and community awareness in waste management across Nigeria.