By Abdulhadi Haladu Abubakar
Opportunity can simply be defined as a chance to achieve something. This article focuses on the numerous opportunities available in our communities and surroundings, many of which are unfortunately neglected by most people.
Interestingly, some individuals who recognise these opportunities often come from outside the communities and travel from their native places to take advantage of them.
Many people complain that some leaders are unfair and unjust because of the difficult living conditions experienced by citizens.
However, society also has a role to play in addressing these challenges.
Lack of cooperation and the tendency to place almost every responsibility on government alone have contributed to some of the difficulties we face.
The truth is that there are numerous small-scale businesses and services within our communities that can provide income and employment opportunities.
If more people took advantage of these opportunities, they could contribute significantly to addressing some of our economic, environmental and social challenges.
Many of these activities do not require huge financial investments to get started.
The rising cost of raw materials has also encouraged some industries to embrace recycling and the reuse of waste materials.
Items such as waste cartons, scrap metal, sachet-water nylon, worn-out shoes, broken bottles, plastics and animal bones can be collected and processed into useful products.
For instance, waste cartons can be processed into egg trays and other products.
Scrap metal can be used to produce items such as pots, ladles and knives. Sachet-water nylon and other plastics can be recycled into new plastic products, while waste shoes and broken bottles can also be processed for reuse.
Animal bones can be used in the production of products such as chalk and other materials.
What impresses me most about this form of recycling is that many people can benefit from it in different ways.
Some work as scavengers, collecting recyclable materials, while others serve as middlemen who purchase the materials from scavengers and supply them to recycling companies.
This creates a chain of economic activities.
Those involved in transporting the materials earn money, while the recycling companies require workers to process the increasing quantities of waste they receive.
In this way, what many people regard as waste can become a source of income and employment.
This clearly demonstrates that opportunities are still everywhere around us if we are willing to recognise and utilise them.
I share the belief that nothing in our environment should simply be regarded as useless waste; even what appears worthless can potentially be put to productive use.
Therefore, I strongly believe that if we begin to identify and utilise the opportunities around us, we can create employment, generate income and contribute to keeping our communities clean and healthy.
Recycling and proper waste management can also help reduce pollution of our water, air and land. Rather than seeing waste only as a problem, we should also see it as an opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development.
Abdulhadi Haladu Abubakar known as Nationbuilder can be reached via 08086958949
