The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in its commitment to promote a sustainable and pollution-free environment, has warned people working in the refrigeration sector to stop the dismantling of e-waste materials but rather hand them over to registered recyclers/collectors for proper management and disposal.
The General Manager of the Agency, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, made this known during an advocacy walk and sensitisation workshop with the theme “Cooling Champions: Cool Careers For A Better World”, organised to mark the year 2021, World Refrigeration Day at Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Fasawe, who was represented by Mrs. Adedayo Adebayo, Director Electronic Waste Department, LASEPA, the event was designed to celebrate the tremendous contributions of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning to the society and inspire professionals to further encourage them towards proffering solutions to the environmental challenges faced in their various communities by developing eco-friendly coolants/refrigeration and other machines.
She said, “We have collaborated with relevant stakeholders to create more awareness on dangers inherent in dismantling unwanted electronic waste and the need for operators to dispose of their electronic waste through registered recyclers and e-waste collectors, who are properly trained to prevent injuries, bruises, bumps, cut, burns and poisoning from inhaling or exposure to hazardous chemicals”.
“In as much as the cold chain enables our agricultural and food system to be nourished and preserved for end-use advantage, we must encourage the use of Ozone friendly refrigerants for a more sustainable environment and healthy living populace”, the General Manager added.
Earlier in his address, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), Mr. John Akhabue, encouraged all professionals in the cooling sector to be more dedicated as they play a significant role in modern life and society.
His words: “Refrigeration is at the very heart of modern life as the system provides the conditions we require for health, comfort, worker’s productivity, manufacturing and essential environment for food, pharmaceutical and digital data”.
“Opportunities within the industry abound for young people with a wide range of career aspirations such as engineers, technicians, researchers, educators, policy experts and executives to create controlled environments, which modern life requires by international climate and ozone protection accord”, the Chairman stated.
He affirmed that his Association will intensify efforts to reach out to a wide diversity of communities to catch the young promising generation of cooling champions, who would ensure the healing of the Ozone layer and further protect our mother earth.
