On the occasion of Children’s Day, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), urged parents to instill the principles of waste sorting and recycling in their children from a young age. He emphasized that educating the youth on these practices is crucial for fostering a sustainable environment for future generations. Dr. Gbadegesin’s call to action highlights the importance of early environmental education as a cornerstone for long-term ecological preservation.
At the agency’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, LAWMA hosted a vibrant celebration focused on children. The event featured a variety of educational activities and games, all aimed at engaging young minds and promoting environmental sustainability.
Gbadegesin emphasized the crucial role of instilling proper waste management habits in the younger generation, highlighting the pivotal responsibility of parents in this endeavor. He underscored that educating children about recycling and waste sorting from an early age is essential for nurturing environmentally responsible citizens. Through this early education, children can grow up with a solid understanding of the importance of sustainable practices, ensuring a future generation that is mindful of their environmental impact.
He said, “Teaching our children about recycling and proper waste management is required for the future of our environment. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that they understand the impact of their actions on the planet. By incorporating these lessons into their daily lives, we can nurture a generation that is conscious of their environmental footprint and committed to sustainable practices.”
The head of LAWMA emphasized that the organization’s dedication to environmental education transcends Children’s Day. LAWMA has been deeply engaged in various initiatives to promote waste management awareness throughout Lagos State. These efforts include extensive school outreach programs and community clean-up campaigns, aiming to instill sustainable practices in both students and residents. By fostering environmental consciousness, LAWMA strives to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
“As an organisation, LAWMA is dedicated to creating a cleaner and healthier Lagos. Our efforts in promoting waste management education are part of our broader mission to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. We believe that by educating our children, we are laying the foundation for a greener future”, he noted.
In a heartfelt goodwill message, Mrs. Monsurat Banire, the Director of the Environmental Education Unit at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, lauded the Authority for its commitment to nurturing young minds. Represented by Mrs. Olufunke Olaleye, Mrs. Banire emphasized that investing in children is the most valuable investment a society can make. She praised the Authority’s efforts, highlighting the significant impact such initiatives have on shaping a sustainable future.
She said: “When we involve children in anything we do, we are assured of a better and sustainable future. The ministry of Environment knows the value of environmental education and that is why we have the unit to raise you all as environmental ambassadors, who will preserve our planet. I celebrate you all and I wish you a wonderful celebration “.
Mrs. Bola Adewumi, head of the LAWMA Academy Training and Development, emphasized the organization’s dedication to cultivating young environmental ambassadors. She encouraged children to adopt and maintain positive attitudes towards environmental sustainability, aiming to foster a people-friendly environment.
Several senior staff members of LAWMA shared their goodwill messages, including Mrs. Kadiri Folashade, Director of Public Affairs; Mr. Oluwakemi Sulaimon, Deputy Director of Special Duties; Ms. Ranti Dosunmu, Director of Admin and HR; Mrs. Abimbola Opayemi, Deputy Director of Commercial Services; Dr. Modupe Okoh, Deputy Director of Medical Services, Health and Safety; Dr. Essien Nsuabia, Deputy Director of Waste Management Research, Policy and Development; Mrs. Jirinsola Okubanjo, Deputy Director of Circular Economy; and Mrs. Aramide Olaniyan, Head of Customer Care and Corporate Engagement Unit, among others
For more information about LAWMA’s initiatives and how to support efforts to maintain a clean environment, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.
*Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)*
Director, Public Affairs
27/05/2024
