…Encourages Private Organizations to Embrace Corporate Social Responsibility through Community Sanitation
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has urged private organizations and residents to take an active role in maintaining environmental cleanliness across Lagos State. He encouraged them to adopt streets and communities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. By doing so, they would contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all, reinforcing the collective effort needed to keep Lagos clean and sustainable.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs
LAWMA, Folashade Kadiri (Mrs.), it states that Dr. Gbadegesin appeared on Lagos Television’s “The Conversation” and Channels TV’s “Sunrise,” where he passionately highlighted the crucial role of community engagement in upholding sanitation standards. He urged both businesses and residents to take a more proactive stance in ensuring their surroundings remain clean, emphasizing that collective efforts are key to fostering a healthier environment.
“Adopting a street or community is an excellent way for organizations to contribute meaningfully to the city’s cleanliness efforts. It goes beyond just placing bins; it’s about taking responsibility for the cleanliness and maintenance of entire neighborhoods. This initiative will also serve as a strong CSR strategy, benefiting both the environment and the organizations involved,” Dr. Gbadegesin explained.
In the same vein, he connected the current cholera outbreak to inadequate environmental practices, including open defecation and unlawful waste disposal. He emphasized that these issues could be effectively tackled through ongoing community sanitation initiatives, urging a collective effort to improve environmental hygiene and prevent future outbreaks.
He added, “Sanitation should be a daily habit, ingrained in our culture, and this is what we should be teaching our children.”
In a bold move to revitalize our environment, LAWMA, alongside the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, has launched an ambitious community clean-up campaign. This initiative aims to transform our neighborhoods into cleaner, greener spaces through coordinated efforts. Volunteers, local businesses, and government agencies are joining forces to tackle litter and waste, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and civic pride. With a strategic blend of outreach and action, the campaign not only addresses immediate waste management issues but also promotes long-term sustainability, making our community a model of environmental responsibility.
This, he stated that, “What we are doing right now is sensitisation, and yes, the monthly sanitation exercise is coming back. We are going from community to community, engaging with local stakeholders, and addressing residents’ challenges.”
Dr Gbadegesin announced an exciting initiative: the “Adopt a Bin” program. This new effort is designed to inspire households to properly containerize their waste, promoting a cleaner, more organized community. Through this program, residents will be encouraged to take responsibility for managing their trash more efficiently, contributing to a greener environment and enhancing the overall sanitation of their neighborhoods.
“The new LAWMA smart bins are revolutionising household waste management. We aim for every home to have its own bin, making it easier for residents to properly contain their waste. To make this accessible, we have introduced a 24-month installment plan. What sets these bins apart is their smart technology: “Each bin is equipped with an RFID tag and geolocation capabilities. This allows us to track when bins are empty, ensuring efficient service from our operators,” he stressed
Gbadegesin underscored the state government’s commitment to improving waste management through strategic partnerships with the private sector. A significant step in this initiative is the memorandum of understanding with the Jospong Group, aimed at constructing state-of-the-art material recovery facilities and modern landfills in Lagos.
Additionally, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is collaborating with local government authorities to set up community recycling centers. These centers will offer residents dedicated areas for disposing of recyclables, coupled with incentives to encourage participation and support sustainable waste practices.
On LAWMA Academy, he said, “We are teaching the next generation about the value of recycling and the importance of maintaining a clean environment. Currently, we have an on-going summer school, that will last for a month, and in the next few months, we are going to open a portal for online classes with certification on the LAWMA Academy website.”
In conclusion however, he underscored LAWMA’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of street sweepers, revealing that the agency is rolling out comprehensive health insurance and advanced skill development programs. This initiative aims to elevate the standards of living for these essential workers while equipping them with valuable skills for their future.
