A 16-year-old Nigerian teenager, Manasseh Aluga, has won an international award for transforming plastic waste into eco-friendly building bricks.

The Action for Nature (AFN), a United States-based environmental organisation, announced Aluga from Jos, Plateau State, as second in its International Young Eco-Hero Award for his groundbreaking Kundu Waste Management Project.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 12, 2024, the AFN’s spokesperson, Kelly Carnes, said Aluga’s project earned recognition as a leading environmental innovator in Nigeria.

“We are impressed by Aluga’s determination to create a cleaner environment, despite facing financial constraints and personal challenges,” Carnes said.

She said Aluga’s project was inspired by the devastating impact of plastic pollution in his community.

According to her, since its inception in March 2022, the Kundu project has made significant strides with successful production and distribution of eco-bricks to local construction sites.

She said this effort had diverted more than 800 kilogrammes of plastic waste from landfills and waterways.

“Aluga’s innovative approach earned him a $100 grant from the Goodwall #GoodImpact pitch competition in 2023.

“He has also established the Kundu Waste Management Corps, engaging fellow students in waste collection and recycling efforts,” said the AFN official.

Carnes noted that the AFN praised Aluga’s perseverance and commitment to his project.

“Despite losing his father in 2020, Aluga has continued to pursue his passion for creating a sustainable future,” the spokesperson said.