Hauwa Ali
Wema Bank has partnered with the Lagos State Government on the ambitious initiative “Leave No One Behind,” which aims to transform waste into opportunity.
The project focuses on integrating marginalised women and girls into the circular economy, giving them the skills and resources to turn waste materials into valuable products while addressing the pressing issue of sustainable waste management in Lagos.
Lagos, a city that generates over 10,000 metric tons of waste daily, faces significant challenges in managing its overflowing landfills, which pose both environmental and public health risks. Wema Bank’s innovative solution to this problem lies in the circular economy model, which emphasises resource reuse, minimizing waste, and maintaining product value for as long as possible. The bank’s initiative goes beyond traditional waste management by incorporating social empowerment, offering marginalized women an opportunity to gain financial independence.
One of the critical aspects of the initiative is its work at the Special Correctional Centre for Girls in Idi-Araba, where women have been trained to transform waste into marketable items such as ottoman seats, mirrors, and jewellery. This provides them with practical skills and fosters a sense of entrepreneurship. The correctional centre has been further developed into a collection hub, where community members participate in gathering recyclable materials. The program has already engaged 1,000 residents and is collecting 200 kg of recyclables weekly, demonstrating the economic potential of what is often discarded as waste.
Beyond waste collection and recycling, the initiative has introduced sustainable energy solutions. Installing a biogas digester at the correctional centre, which produces 100 kg of methane gas, has reduced the facility’s reliance on LPG, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for cooking fuel. This shift is helping the centre lower its energy costs while contributing to reducing carbon emissions, a critical environmental goal in line with global sustainability efforts.
Wema Bank’s involvement in this initiative goes beyond financial support. The bank is providing grants to help women start businesses based on the skills they’ve acquired, ensuring their economic empowerment extends well beyond the program. In addition, Wema Bank offers health insurance through its SARA Health Plan, covering participants’ medical needs and strengthening their well-being as they build their new livelihoods. The initiative also includes financial literacy programs and SME toolkits, equipping women with the tools needed to thrive as entrepreneurs.
This effort aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) on responsible consumption and production. By promoting the reuse of materials and reducing landfill waste, the initiative addresses both environmental and economic needs, creating a sustainable model for future development. The program reduces waste and creates jobs, with 50 new employment opportunities already generated.
This circular economy model’s broader impact can be seen in how it reshapes local communities. By encouraging the use of waste materials to create new products, the initiative fosters economic independence among women, reduces environmental harm, and strengthens local businesses. The use of organic fertiliser produced through the project has improved farm yields at the correctional centre, cutting costs and providing healthier food options for residents.
Wema Bank’s ultimate goal is to scale this model across Lagos, potentially revolutionizing waste management and economic inclusion throughout the state. By empowering women and turning waste into wealth, the “Leave No One Behind” initiative sets a powerful example of how sustainability and social responsibility can intersect to create lasting change. This initiative is also in line with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, which emphasises economic and environmental development across Lagos.
Through this innovative approach, Wema Bank proves that financial institutions can play a crucial role in driving sustainable development, not just by funding projects but by empowering communities to participate actively in the solution. As Lagos continues to grow and face urban challenges, the success of this program offers a promising pathway for addressing waste management, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment together.
