The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has launched LAWMA cares and Lagos Youth Initiative, both of which are youth sanitation initiatives targetted at granting young people the knowledge and skills to strengthen appropriate waste management and advance the state’s vision of circular economy.‎‎
The Managing Director/CEO of the Authority, Dr. muyiwa Gbadegesin who was represented by the Authority’s Director of Finance, Kunle Adebiyi at the Launch event at LAWMA Headquaters at Ijora-Olopa, disclosed that the initiative started off with around 60 youths drawn from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Lagos Watch for Alliance and Youths for Sustainability adding that the purpose of the initiative is to use knowledge sharing, engagement, advocacy and collaboration as tools to enhance youth participation in waste management.‎‎
“The idea is to expose young people to management operations, waste-to-energy, circular economy, composting, recycling and roles expected of LAWMA and citizens in achieving a cleaner Lagos,” he said.
‎‎He assured that the Authority is committed to putting out opportunities for youth participation in emerging green industries and collaborating with youth to support and maintain proper waste management. ‎‎
According to Dr. Gbadegesin, the initiative would not only serve the purpose of allowing the youth to engage, share opinions and concerns of waste management but also enhance collaboration and communication between LAWMA and the youth. ‎‎
He asked participants to share the message with their communities, stressing active citizen participation as a requirement for sustainable waste management.‎‎
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, represented by the Director, Scientific, Mrs. Yewande Obasa commended LAWMA for the initiative and urged participants to become representatives of Cleaner Lagos by practicing and advocating for maintainanace of waste management among their communities and peers. ‎‎
The Chairman, NANS Lagos Chapter, Comrade Quadri Odewunmi reassured of the commitment of the participants to the initiative, pledging to provide support through clean-up activities, advocacy and grassroots enlightment.‎‎
The event also featured a session of discussions on waste management, with the participants informing the agency on waste collection practices, community involvement, illegal waste dumping activities as well as stronger partnerships with youths and community.
‎‎The Initiative is also designed to explore opportunities for the youths, LAWMA, communities involved and other stakeholders through active collaboration.‎‎
The Authority reiterated its dedication to working hand in hand with you the to achieve the great aim of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos. ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎