LAWMA Trains Youths on Waste Management
The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has partnered with the Waste and Environmental Sustainability Team (WEST) to drive `The Waste Academy 1.0’ to empower youths in waste management and environmental sustainability.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, Mrs Folashade Kadiri and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.
Kadiri said that the innovative waste management team, known as “The Waste Academy 1.0,” was part of activities lined up to mark International Youth Day.
She said that the LAWMA Academy, an educational hub of the authority, came into existence three years ago.
She also said that the partnership, extended to the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), was scheduled to be held between Aug. 21 and 31 at the Pedro Primary School, Famous Bus Stop, Lagos.
She said that the Convener of the programme, Suliyat Ogun, an Alumna of the LAWMA Academy and Senior Special Adviser on Environmental Health to the ChairmanBariga LCDA, was the driving force behind the initiative.
According to her, Ogun, with a profound understanding of waste management, aims to provide a platform for young people to channel their creativity and innovation toward addressing pressing environmental challenges.
She said that ‘The Waste Academy 1.0’ could boast of a diverse range of activities designed to engage and educate participants.
“This includes: Arts and crafts, field trips and excursions, film and documentary screenings, networking opportunities, up-cycling workshops, exhibition and community engagement,’’ she said.
The LAWMA spokesperson said that the programme would offer a lasting experience, and equip youths with practical knowledge and hands-on expertise in waste management, to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
She, however, said that the academy was saddled with the responsibility of teaching waste management and environmental sustainability to children and youths to make them environment ambassadors.
Kadiri quoted the LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, as saying that the programme was significant in shaping the next generation of environmental stewards.
Gbadegesin said that instilling ‘green skills’ in young minds could lead to lasting positive changes in waste management practices and environmental preservation.
“Supporting the Waste Academy 1.0 shows LAWMA’s commitment to nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility and waste management excellence.
“This initiative aligns seamlessly with our broader mission of cultivating a greener and more vibrant Lagos.
“It is in line with the mission and vision of LAWMA Academy, established to raise and build young minds such as the convener, who is a product of the academy, into opportunities in waste management.”
Such minds could become environment ambassadors and continue to advocate for positive environmental consciousness.
The LAWMA boss said it was no longer news that waste was a resource but that Nigerian youths should carve out a niche for themselves in this creative industry and provide sustainable waste management solutions with the avalanche of raw waste materials that could be up-cycled into something more valuable.
He noted that Planet 3R, Waste Museum, and a host of other creative individuals came to the limelight through initiatives such as this, adding that the project was indeed a laudable initiative.
He urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the event for learning and collaboration and make meaningful contributions to a sustainable future.
Gbadegesin said that the programme would equip the youth with essential skills that could have a lasting positive impact on their communities and the environment.
NAN/Shakirat Sadiq
