LAWMA Launch Youth Initiative to Boost Waste Management in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has launched the "LAWMA CARES and Lagos Youth Initiative" to equip young people with skills and knowledge to drive sustainable waste management and advance the state's circular economy vision.

The initiative was unveiled at the agency's headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, Lagos, bringing together about 60 youth representatives from organizations including the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos Watch Alliance, and Youths for Sustainability.

Speaking at the event, LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin—represented by the Executive Director of Finance, Kunle Adebiyi—stated that the program was designed to deepen youth participation through knowledge sharing, advocacy, and direct engagement in environmental sanitation.

Gbadegesin explained that the initiative exposes participants to waste-to-energy systems, composting, recycling, and practical waste collection operations, while creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs in emerging green industries.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, Director of Scientific Services, Mrs. Yewande Obasa, commended LAWMA for integrating youth advocacy into the state’s environmental agenda and urged participants to serve as clean-environment ambassadors.

Chairman of NANS, Lagos Chapter, Comrade Quadri Odewunmi, pledged the commitment of student and youth bodies to support the authority through community clean-up drives, grassroots sensitization, and peer-to-peer environmental education.

LAWMA noted that subsequent phases of the program will feature facility tours, periodic training workshops, youth-focused communication networks, and official recognition for impactful youth-led environmental projects across Lagos State.