Turning Trash to Treasure: Oyo Govt and Planet 3R Roll Out Second Phase of Youth Empowerment Training

…97 Youths Benefited from First Phase, 200 Set to Benefit in New Batch

The Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, in partnership with renowned recycling and manufacturing firm Planet 3R, has flagged off the second phase of its highly impactful Waste-to-Wealth Empowerment Training, targeting the empowerment of 200 youths across the state.

This comes after the successful completion of the first phase, which saw 97 youths equipped with practical skills to convert waste into reusable, eco-friendly products through a six-week intensive training programme.

The second phase begins on Monday May 12, and interested applicants are advised to pick up their forms at the Office of the Chairman, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, State Secretariat, Ibadan.

The training will take place at:

No. 2, Olode Street, beside OBAT Filling Station, Adegbayi, Egbeda Local Government, Ibadan.

Contact: 07032494884

Speaking at the first phase’s product demonstration and certification ceremony, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Prince Adebowale Adebayo Falana, praised Planet 3R for its dedication to youth empowerment through sustainable initiatives.

> “This collaboration has changed the lives of 97 Oyo youths already, and we are set to reach even more. This is how we build a sustainable future—by equipping our young people with the skills to turn environmental challenges into economic opportunities,” he noted.

Hon. Falana emphasized the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde FNSE, DSSRS, to creating lasting structures for youth development and innovation in line with his sustainable prosperity agenda.

CEO of Planet 3R, Ms. Adejoke Lasisi, while addressing participants, described the initiative as a step toward bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and economic independence.

> “We believe in building a future where social impact and sustainability coexist. Through creativity and recycling, these youths are turning waste into wealth, and we are proud to be part of their journey,” she said.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Bukola Areo, Director of Environmental Health Services, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Arc. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, commended the project for contributing to environmental protection and waste reduction.

Youth leader and acting PDP Publicity Secretary in Oyo State, Hon. Ogunsina Michael, also commended the initiative, encouraging beneficiaries to use their acquired knowledge and materials wisely to become self-reliant entrepreneurs.

Officials from SMEDAN and NEPC, including Mrs. Iyabo Ojogbede and Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, expressed readiness to partner with Planet 3R to further expand youth and women empowerment programs across the country.

The event featured a colorful exhibition of innovative, handcrafted items made by the 97 first-phase trainees, showcasing the creative potential of recycling in real economic terms.