In a determined effort to foster environmental advocacy and sustainable waste management, the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has launched its Volunteer Vanguard, a community-driven network aimed at tackling pressing environmental challenges.
Recognizing the importance of collective responsibility, the agency recently organized a two-day training workshop on March 21st and 22nd in Jos North and Jos South to empower its volunteers with specialized skills.
The training, which drew participants from all corners of Plateau State, was meticulously divided into nine focus areas: Sustainability Projects, Environmental Policy, Community Outreaches, Environmental Education, Volunteer Inbounding, Waste Management, Environmental Data, Events, Environmental Campaigns, and Media.
Each cohort provided tailored knowledge and practical insights to equip volunteers with the necessary expertise to address environmental issues head-on.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of PEPSA, Mr. Samuel Nathaniel Dapiya, commended the dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers, highlighting their critical role in shaping a cleaner, healthier Plateau. “Your dedication is instrumental in restoring our ecosystem, reducing waste, and educating others on sustainable practices,” he said. “The passion you bring to these initiatives has a ripple effect, inspiring change at the grassroots level.”
The Volunteer Vanguard’s mission is clear: to amplify PEPSA’s impact by engaging communities, driving awareness, and supporting various sanitation initiatives across Plateau State. Mr. Dapiya reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustainability, noting that community participation remains key to achieving lasting environmental change. “A clean and sustainable environment is a shared responsibility,” he stressed. “Without active involvement from individuals like you, our efforts would fall short of the widespread impact we aim for.”
PEPSA extended its gratitude to the facilitators, including notable figures such as Prof. Chundung Miner, Mr. Rami Amir, and Bar. Theophilus Maimako, for their invaluable contributions to the success of the program. Each facilitator brought a wealth of expertise to the training, ensuring that the volunteers left equipped with actionable skills and a clear vision for their role in environmental protection.
As the training concluded, PEPSA expressed its confidence in the volunteers’ ability to effect meaningful change. “Your participation reflects your unwavering commitment to excellence,” the Director General remarked. “The knowledge and skills you’ve gained will undoubtedly create a lasting impact on both your work and the communities you serve.”
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Plateau State’s fight against environmental degradation, with PEPSA at the forefront of a movement toward sustainability, supported by a passionate network of community volunteers.
