- At just 16 years old, Manasseh Aluga from Jos Plateau, Nigeria, has been awarded second place in the International Young Eco-Hero Award for his Kundu Waste Management Project, which turns plastic waste into eco-friendly building bricks.
- Manasseh’s project has successfully diverted over 800 kg of plastic waste from landfills and produced durable bricks for local construction. His efforts include establishing the Kundu Waste Management Corps to involve fellow students in recycling.
- Manasseh plans to expand his project into a larger organisation and innovate waste management technologies. He will receive his award virtually on August 24 during an innovation ceremony at the Afritint Innovation Hub in Jos.
Young Innovator Manasseh Aluga Honoured with Second Place in International Young Eco-Hero Award
Jos Plateau, Nigeria Action For Nature (AFN) is thrilled to announce 16-year-old Manasseh Aluga from Jos Plateau, Nigeria, as the recipient of Second Place in the International Young Eco-Hero Award. Manasseh’s groundbreaking Kundu Waste Management Project, which transforms plastic waste into eco-friendly building bricks, has earned him recognition as a leading environmental innovator in Nigeria.
Witnessing the devastating impact of plastic pollution in his community, Manasseh took matters into his own hands. He designed and built a low-cost plastic shredder using locally sourced materials and developed a process to convert shredded plastic into durable building bricks.
Additionally, he established the Kundu Waste Management Corps, engaging fellow students in waste collection and recycling efforts.
Since its inception in March 2022, the Kundu project has made significant strides.
Manasseh has successfully produced and distributed eco-bricks to local construction sites, diverting over 800 kg of plastic waste from landfills and waterways. His innovative approach earned him a $100 grant from the Goodwall #GoodImpact pitch competition in 2023.
Despite facing financial constraints and personal challenges, Manasseh’s determination to create a cleaner environment remains unwavering.
He has self-funded parts of his project and persevered through the loss of his father in 2020, drawing strength from his mother and uncle.
Manasseh’s ambitions extend beyond his current achievements. He envisions transforming his project into a full-fledged organisation that promotes plastic recycling across Nigeria.
His ultimate goal is to leverage his passion for mechanical engineering to develop innovative waste management technologies that address the global plastic pollution crisis.
“I was inspired to initiate my project as a result of the dire plastic pollution crisis in Nigeria and the urgent need for sustainable solutions within my immediate community,” Manasseh shares.
In recognition of his outstanding work, Manasseh will receive his award virtually during an innovation ceremony hosted at the Afritint Innovation Hub in Jos, Nigeria.
The event will be recorded and shared to celebrate Manasseh’s achievements and inspire others to take action for a sustainable future.
Enjoy the award ceremony LIVE on August 24 at 10 a.m. PST. Virtual Eco-Hero Conference Event
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