In a major stride towards youth empowerment in the green sector, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Green VET Africa hosted their inaugural youth workshop, focusing on opportunities in green waste management and entrepreneurship. Held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Ikeja, the event, co-funded by the European Union, brought together participants from Nigeria and Ghana for hands-on learning.
The workshop was part of a series of Green VET Project trainings designed to equip young people with essential skills in sustainable waste management and business development. LAWMA provided technical expertise, addressing the growing need for vocational education in the green sector.
Speaking on behalf of LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to promoting the circular economy, where waste is viewed as a valuable resource.
“Our goal at LAWMA is to create a sustainable environment, and this is only achievable if everyone adopts responsible waste management practices. We envision a future where waste is seen not as trash but as an asset,” Gbadegesin remarked. He further emphasized the value of such initiatives in enhancing knowledge and creating entrepreneurial opportunities.
Margerita Treslini, Area Marketing Director of Apodissi and co-founder of Green VET Africa, explained the initiative’s origins, noting that vocational training in waste management remains underdeveloped in both Europe and Africa.
“Our objective is to provide vocational training in waste management across Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, where there are untapped opportunities. Thanks to LAWMA’s support, we’ve successfully trained 100 students from both countries, equipping them with valuable skills,” she said.
LAWMA’s Project Director for Green VET Africa, Mrs. Ademola Elizabeth, highlighted the project’s alignment with the European Green Deal, explaining that it aimed to provide participants with green waste management and entrepreneurship skills to enhance their employability.
“This project is dedicated to promoting vocational education for young people in Nigeria and Ghana. By the end of the training, 100 participants from Lagos and Kumasi gained critical knowledge in green waste management and micro-entrepreneurship to help boost their chances of employment,” Ademola explained.
Mrs. Jirinsola Olaleye, Head of LAWMA’s Circular Economy Department, urged participants to embrace waste sorting at the source, a key practice in achieving sustainability. Additionally, Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), praised the Green VET Africa initiative and emphasized the importance of collaboration in keeping the environment clean.
The workshop featured breakout sessions where participants discussed recycling industry challenges and opportunities, followed by group presentations and feedback. Several notable stakeholders, including Mr. Wasiu Balogun, Managing Director of Polysmart Group, and Mr. Abdul Ganiy Oyekunle, CEO of HygienePlus, were in attendance.
