File photo of waste papers
By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
The Waste Paper Dealers Association, Onitsha, has called on Anambra State Government to salvage them from multiple taxation.
The leader of the Association, Comrade Samuel Momo made the call during their annual get-together which they held in Onitsha, beckon on the state government to grant them loans to acquire modern equipment to facilities their business.
The address was read on behalf of the Chairman, by the Pioneer Chairman, Chief Hon. Mike Ibebuihe.
They described their business as an economic catalyst in Nigeria, which according to them has contributed immensely in the economic boom and development in Nigeria by reducing unemployed rate both educated and non-educated youths and adults in Nigeria.
They explained that recycling companies alone employs average of 250,000 workers, factories employs 100,000 while about 200,000 men and women were directly and indirectly employed through sourcing and supping of waste paper to factories, adding that they conserve and protect environmental hazard through collecting waste papers.
Also they appeal government agencies to encourage the indigenous waste paper factors by placing embargo on importation of inferior paper materials.
Speaking to the newsmen, Comrade Momo stated that the occasion was an avenue to bestow awards to their members, companies and politician who have impacted positively to the society, adding that the Association commenced operation in the year 2002 and since then, they were committed in improving the welfare of their members and society in general.
However, the Chairman called on the state government to rescue them from illegal taxation from touts, grant them loans and provide them a conducive environment to do their business.
In the same vein, Chairman Board of Trustee, (BoT) Chief Titus Ofoekwe stated that he was elated over the successful occasion, stating that Waste Paper Dealers Association improves the health condition of the society by collecting and removing waste papers around environments.
Chief Ofoekwe hinted that their business boasts commerce and industry in the state and nation through their ability in converting waste papers to economic value, appealing government of Anambra State to remember them and encourage them as one care of the industries in the state.
Speaking further, the Pioneer Chairman of the Association and former Manager Star Paper Mill Industry, Chief Hon. Ibebuihe explained that Waste Paper business is very lucrative, stressing that most people underrate it as a business of undignified class of people, just as he stated that the business has changed the economic statute of many people.
He recalled the period when he was promoted to be in-charge of raw materials in the Star Paper Mill, revealing that he initiated stoppage of foreign companies from importing wastes paper in Nigeria.
Hon. Ibebuihe regretted lack of Government assistance to the Association, explaining that he has gone to the office of commissioner for commerce, trade, industry and environment to inform him about the existence of the Association in the state.
