The Former Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Environmental Engineers, Engr. Adeolu Odusote, has disclosed that Nigerian children are mentally equipped to handle plastic waste using ICT-based solutions.

Mr. Odusote disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the Digitest Children Camp held in Abuja.

He stated that Nigerian children are mentally equipped to handle plastic waste using ICT solutions. “I would think we have been able to achieve that. We just went through the initial part of the closing ceremony.

“We have had two of them come to speak about all that happened in the camp. It means that the activities planned for the camp were covered. And then we started to see impressions about what had happened in the camp also, regarding how it has been impactful.

“It is like a double barrel kind of an approach this year, really looking at ICT, which is a standard part of Digitest every year, and then, connecting this also with the issue of plastic and plastic waste management. I think the objectives set have been quite achieved.”

Odusote added that the first people that should be targeted would be the participants, stressing that “we know that the results will just start to build up from here till like five to 10 years into their career.”

Adding: “We believe that it is a seed sowing which will germinate and start to bring forth the growth and then eventually, the fruits that will come in those years. They have been set on the stage to do that. Before I came into this programme this evening, I met some of the judges of the things that they have done and they said, “Wow”, to think that these young ones have been able to do this in this short period, and then to think also that they have been so set to be able to take advantage of the future ahead of them using ICT.”

Speaking to The Guardian, one of the instructors, Nwakolo Uzoma Kingsley, revealed that the camp training was thorough and the children were very responsive. In his words: “The camp was very organized and the children showed a high level of enthusiasm. They were reluctant to leave the computer system they were using to train because they enjoyed the whole process. I give kudos to Digitest for their exceptional planning. These children are ready to make the much-needed changes Nigeria needs in handling plastic waste.”

Eze Goodness, a participant narrating her experiences in the camp excitedly said: “This is a very serene environment, the teachers are nice. I didn’t expect it to be this fun, and I made a lot of friends.

“I learnt a whole lot. I didn’t come here for the N1 million price. I am not a techie person but I decided to come and learn. At this point, I can say I know a little.

“I am going with the fact I can design the prototype for an app we use. I can operate the computer right now; before now, I was not good at all. Now, if someone gives me an idea for an app I can develop it to handle plastic waste management.”