Empowering Niger IDPs: Essential Waste Management and Environmental Awareness Training by Local NGO

The Esteemed Hub Foundation, in collaboration with Education as a Vaccine and other groups under the AACJ Project, recently held an environmental awareness campaign at the IDP camps in Gwada, Niger State. This initiative was part of the celebrations for World Environment Day, focused on “Ending Plastic Pollution.” The event took place on July 2, 2025, at Gwada Central Primary School and included women from the camps and nearby female students.

Princess Doosugh Dorathy Agbadu-Adu, the Executive Director of the Esteemed Hub Foundation, emphasized the importance of educating displaced women on maintaining a clean and safe environment. “Our aim is to highlight the risks that plastic waste poses, especially during rainy periods,” she noted. She was represented at the event by Maryam Abdulsalam, the foundation’s Programme Officer.

The campaign also covered waste and plastic recycling, encouraging women to see it as a potential income source. “This is our third visit to the IDP camps, and for over four years, we’ve focused on climate justice issues affecting women,” Agbadu-Adu shared. The foundation has previously engaged with IDPs about how climate change directly impacts their lives and the necessity of keeping their environments tidy.

During these visits, the foundation learned about gender-based violence experienced by some women in the camps. Agbadu-Adu mentioned that they have supported many women and connected others with organizations for further assistance.

Agbadu-Adu highlighted the foundation’s presence in five states: Niger, Kaduna, Bauchi, Delta, and the Federal Capital Territory. However, they struggle with the lack of a permanent office space. Thanks to a network of volunteers, they have managed to extend their services effectively.

In a conversation with The Guardian, Hussaini Alhassan Gwada, the IDP Desk Officer at Gwada Central Primary School, raised concerns about the educational needs of children in the camps. “Around 150 children are not enrolled in school. I’ve helped enroll 50, but financial challenges make it hard to provide necessary uniforms and supplies,” he stated.

He further explained that poor living conditions and limited food supplies have led to health problems for many residents. Recently, there has been no food aid from the government or organizations, except for a small donation from the Dangote Foundation earlier this year.

The outreach event featured lectures on environmental safety and included a symbolic clothing donation to 40 women in the camps. This initiative not only informs but also supports the community in practical ways, fostering a hopeful atmosphere despite the challenges they face.

As environmental issues escalate globally, similar campaigns are crucial. Data from the UN shows that plastic waste has increased markedly in recent years, endangering both health and ecosystems. Initiatives like these could play a vital role in shaping awareness and encouraging collective action in vulnerable communities.

For more information on environmental issues and their impact on displaced populations, refer to the [United Nations Environment Programme](https://www.unep.org).

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AACJ Project,Esteemed Hub Foundation,Niger IDPs,Shiroro LGA