By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
A Bauchi-based civil society organisation, Community Advocate for Rural Development (CARD), in partnership with the Development Exchange Centre (DEC) and with support from Bread for the World, has donated 50 eco-friendly school bags to pupils in Bauchi State under the Promoting Opportunities for Women in Environmental Recycling (POWER) Project.
The school bags were locally produced from recycled waste fabrics and polythene materials by 25 vulnerable women who recently completed a skills acquisition training organised by CARD in Gwallameji community of Bauchi Local Government Area. The initiative is designed to transform environmental waste into valuable products while improving the livelihoods of rural women.
Speaking at the event, Chairperson of CARD’s Board of Directors, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim Kilishi, said the POWER Project aims to equip beneficiaries with practical skills that promote self-reliance and stimulate local economic development. She congratulated the trainees for their commitment and encouraged them to cascade the knowledge to other women in their communities.
Kilishi explained that through its collaboration with DEC and Bread for the World, CARD supports rural women to recycle plastic and textile waste into useful products, thereby promoting environmental cleanliness, climate resilience and sustainable small-scale enterprises. She described the initiative as a model for linking environmental sustainability with women’s economic empowerment.
In his keynote address, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Rt. Hon. Danlami Ahmed Kawule, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the products produced by the trainees. Represented by the Director of Climate Change in the ministry, Nasiru Umar, the Commissioner noted that the POWER Project aligns with global best practices aimed at turning waste into wealth. He commended CARD and its partners for empowering vulnerable women and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of DEC’s Executive Director, Helen Mba, Head of Programme Recheal Luka urged the beneficiaries to effectively utilise the knowledge gained to improve their economic status. She encouraged them to expand the marketing of their reusable products, including bags, blankets, doormats, shoes and other household items, and applauded CARD for its dedication to building the capacity of the women.
Also speaking, Bauchi State Coordinator of the World Bank-assisted ACReSAL Project, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, emphasised the dual benefits of waste recycling in promoting environmental cleanliness and economic prosperity.
He pledged support by purchasing products made by the trainees for onward distribution and called on other stakeholders to do the same.
Representatives from UNICEF Nigeria Bauchi Field Office, Bauchi SUBEB, BASEPA, the State Ministry of Education and community leaders also commended CARD for the seamless implementation of the POWER Project in Gwallameji, describing it as a sustainable and impactful intervention.
In her vote of thanks, CARD’s Executive Director, Habiba Bello Ajufoh, appealed to stakeholders to support the expansion of the initiative to more public schools across the state. She stressed the need for sustainable market linkages to ensure that the women’s newly acquired skills translate into lasting income opportunities.
“Beyond donations, these women now possess skills, capacity and motivation. What they need next is access to sustainable markets. We seek partnerships, collaborations and procurement opportunities that will enable them to supply eco-friendly bags not only to schools but also to offices and other users,” she said.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of the 50 eco-friendly school bags produced under the POWER Project.
