In a groundbreaking move to empower youth in the green sector, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) partnered with Green VET Africa to host their inaugural workshop. The event focused on unlocking opportunities in green waste management and entrepreneurship, inspiring young people to explore sustainable practices and turn environmental challenges into profitable ventures. The workshop marked a pivotal moment in promoting eco-friendly innovation and fostering a new generation of green leaders in Lagos.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.), it states that the engaging event was at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Ikeja, co-funded by the European Union, brought together young participants from Nigeria and Ghana. The initiative focused on providing immersive, hands-on learning experiences, fostering skills development and cross-border collaboration among the youth.
The workshop, building on a series of Green VET Project trainings, focused on empowering young people with skills in sustainable waste management and entrepreneurship. Supported by LAWMA’s technical expertise, the initiative aimed to tackle the increasing demand for vocational education in the waste management sector. Through hands-on experience and expert guidance, participants were equipped to address environmental challenges while fostering sustainable business practices.
During hi keynote address, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, represented by Executive Director Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, highlighted the organization’s dedication to fostering a circular economy. He emphasized that LAWMA envisions waste not as mere refuse, but as a valuable resource, essential for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
He said, “LAWMA’s key role is to attain a sustainable environment which can only be achieved if we all embrace sustainable waste management practices. We want to have a city where we will all be conscious of our actions and cherish our waste as resource.
Gbadegesin expressed joy at LAWMA’s active participation in the initiative, highlighting that the workshop would not only enhance knowledge but also open doors to entrepreneurial opportunities. He emphasized how the program could empower individuals with valuable skills, fostering both personal growth and economic development.
“The Authority is honoured to be a major player in this green initiative. So many people are ignorant of the opportunities in waste management. This workshop will no doubt bridge the knowledge gap and also expose each and everyone here, to some technological innovations in this sector, which can be leveraged for entrepreneurship advantage”, he said.
Margerita Treslini, Area Marketing Director of Apodissi, co-founder, and General Manager of Green VET Africa, shared the inspiration behind their initiative. She explained that it arose from a critical gap in vocational training for waste management, which she and her team identified as being underdeveloped across both Europe and Africa. This realization drove the creation of Green VET Africa, aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills to address waste management challenges on both continents.
“Our mission is to organise developmental training programmes in waste management in Africa, having observed the sector is not given the required attention, especially the opportunities in the sector. Spain, Ghana and Nigeria are involved in this project and we are grateful LAWMA has helped us with her technical expertise and knowledge in the waste sector, to train 100 students from Nigeria and Ghana. Here we are today, all the trainees have been taught and we progress from there”, she said.
Mrs. Ademola Elizabeth, Project Director of LAWMA’s Green VET Africa initiative, outlined the project’s ambitious goals, which resonate with the environmental targets of the European Green Deal. She revealed that the program is designed to train 100 participants from Lagos and Kumasi in sustainable waste management practices and micro-entrepreneurship. By equipping them with these vital green skills, the project aims to enhance their employability while contributing to a more sustainable future for their communities.
“Basically, this project is to promote technical vocational training for youths in Nigeria and Ghana. A total number of 100 participants have been trained in Lagos and Kumasi, respectively on green waste management and micro-entrepreneurship to improve participants’ entrepreneurial and employability skills”, she noted.
Ademola highlighted a key success of the initiative, emphasizing the identification of crucial stakeholders within the green waste management sector. These stakeholders are set to share their entrepreneurial journeys, offering valuable insights and experiences that could drive further progress in sustainable waste management.
“Today is all about articulating all that have been learnt into actionable goals. That is why we have invited stakeholders in the waste management sector, who will share their success stories, with challenges, so that the participants can learn from their experiences.” she stated.
In a presentation titled “Recycling: The Lagos Story,” Mrs. Jirinsola Olaleye, Head of LAWMA’s Circular Economy Department, emphasized the importance of adopting waste sorting at the source. She urged participants to make this a regular practice, highlighting it as a vital step toward fostering a sustainable environment in Lagos.
During the workshop, Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), delivered a heartfelt goodwill message. He praised the Green VET Africa initiative, highlighting its vital role in promoting environmental stewardship. Adebola emphasized that only through united efforts can we ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. His words underscored the necessity of collaboration in achieving sustainable waste management and preserving our planet.
Mrs. Omoh Alokwe, the Financial Secretary of the Lagos Recyclers Association, addressed the audience on behalf of President Dr. Femi Idowu. In her speech, she highlighted the immense potential within the recycling industry and encouraged attendees to stay committed and resilient, even in the face of challenges.
At the workshop, attendees delved into the recycling sector’s landscape through engaging breakout sessions. Each group tackled various opportunities and challenges, sparking insightful discussions. These dynamic conversations culminated in presentations where ideas were shared and feedback was exchanged, fostering a collaborative environment for innovative solutions.
Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Wasiu Balogun, the Managing Director of Polysmart Group; Mr. Abdul Ganiy Oyekunle, the CEO of HygienePlus; and Mr. Haroon Bello, representing United Waste. Their presence, along with other notable figures, added significant weight and expertise to the event.
