Sculpture Made from Waste Products: A Tool for Sustainable Youth Development and Economic Growth in Nigeria

Nigeria with its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources is known to face critical challenges in sustainable development and economic growth. These led to an upsurge in exploration of waste products into various sculptures to promote the creation of alternative, sustainable sources of income, and employment in rural communities. Nigeria as a nation has abundant raw materials that artists can harness to produce appealing aesthetics and functional objects leading to the development of the country economically, socially, and historically. This research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, with combination of interviews, field research, and case studies to evaluate the impact, and feasibility of recycling waste products into various sculptures. The study established transformation of waste products into sculptures creating different opportunity for youth to acquire skills in various professional fields, empowering them for self-reliance, curbing social vices, and creation of job in rural areas thereby stimulating local economies. Transformation of waste materials by artists into sculptures reduces the quantity of waste generated thereby promoting sustainable waste management practices and some sculptures were analyzed in the paper. These works serve as a viable alternative in sustainable sculptures and as a tool for development and economic growth, curbing environmental, economic challenges, and preserving our cultural heritage. The youth will be fully engaged in self-employed opportunities which will make them independent, contributing to sustainable economic growth, historically and national productivity.

Keywords: Waste materials, Sculptures, Sustainable Development, Youth, Economic Growth, Job Creation.