In a concerted effort to foster environmental stewardship among Nigeria’s youth, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Academy has embarked on an ambitious campaign targeting both recent graduates and schoolchildren, aiming to cultivate a generation of sustainability advocates.
The LAWMA Academy, serving as the educational arm of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, recently welcomed a cohort of fresh graduates into its one-month internship program. These candidates, representing diverse academic backgrounds, were greeted by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, who emphasized the pivotal role of waste management in nurturing a circular economy.
During his address, Dr. Gbadegesin underscored the transformative potential of waste, urging interns to view it as a resource ripe for exploitation. “What used to be waste is now a resource that can be harvested to make money and improve lives,” he remarked, highlighting the burgeoning opportunities within the circular economy.
Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of LAWMA, echoed this sentiment, encouraging interns to leverage their newfound knowledge for entrepreneurial endeavors in waste management. “Pay attention to the various things you will be taught,” he advised, stressing the financial rewards awaiting those who embrace modern waste management initiatives.
This commitment to education extends beyond internship programs. LAWMA Academy has embarked on an extensive outreach initiative, engaging over 5,000 pupils from public schools across Lagos State. Through interactive sessions, students were educated on the detrimental effects of indiscriminate waste disposal and empowered with strategies to monetize recyclables.
The academy’s founding objective is to instill a culture of responsible waste management from an early age, fostering a new generation of environment ambassadors. By imparting practical knowledge and advocating for sustainable practices, LAWMA aims to transform societal perceptions and behaviors towards waste disposal.
LAWMA’s internship program represents a cornerstone of its educational outreach, facilitating monthly engagements aimed at nurturing environmental awareness and promoting waste management entrepreneurship among aspiring candidates.
This multifaceted approach underscores LAWMA’s commitment to building a sustainable future, one intern and student at a time. Through education and practical experience, the academy is sowing the seeds for a greener, more conscientious society.
