LAWMA Launches “The Waste Academy 1.0” to Empower Youth in Waste Management
Hauwa Ali
Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has joined forces with the Waste and Environmental Sustainability Team (WEST) to introduce “The Waste Academy 1.0,”.
This collarboration aimed at empowering youth in the fields of waste management and environmental sustainability which as part of the activities marking International Youth Day. It seeks to provide young people with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
According to Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, the Director of Public Affairs at LAWMA, in statement on Wednesday, the LAWMA Academy, an educational hub established by the authority three years ago, is at the forefront of this initiative. The partnership extends to the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and is scheduled to take place from August 21 to 31 at Pedro Primary School, Famous Bus Stop, Lagos.
The driving force behind “The Waste Academy 1.0” is Suliyat Ogun, an alumna of the LAWMA Academy and Senior Special Adviser on Environmental Health to the Chairman of Bariga LCDA. Ogun’s deep understanding of waste management inspired her to create a platform for young individuals to channel their creativity and innovation toward addressing environmental issues.
The academy will offer a wide range of activities designed to engage and educate participants, including arts and crafts, field trips, film screenings, networking opportunities, up-cycling workshops, exhibitions, and community engagement.
LAWMA envisions that this program will provide a lasting experience and equip youths with practical knowledge and hands-on expertise in waste management, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. The academy’s primary mission is to teach waste management and environmental sustainability to children and youths, nurturing them into environmental ambassadors.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, emphasized the significance of this program in shaping the next generation of environmental stewards. He believes that instilling “green skills” in young minds can lead to lasting positive changes in waste management practices and environmental preservation.
Supporting “The Waste Academy 1.0” reflects LAWMA’s commitment to cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility and excellence in waste management. Gbadegesin pointed out that waste is no longer just a problem but a resource. He encouraged Nigerian youths to seize opportunities in this creative industry and provide sustainable waste management solutions by up-cycling raw waste materials into valuable products.
The program aims to equip youth with essential skills that can have a lasting positive impact on their communities and the environment. It also holds the potential to inspire young individuals to become environment ambassadors and advocates for environmental consciousness.
“The Waste Academy 1.0″ stands as a laudable initiative that invites young people to participate, learn, collaborate, and contribute to a sustainable future for Lagos and beyond.