LAWMA Mobilises 60 Youths to Tackle Lagos Waste Crisis, Expand Green Economy
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has launched a youth-focused initiative to boost sustainable waste management, strengthen environmental advocacy and expand opportunities in the state’s emerging green economy.
The LAWMA CARES and Lagos Youth Initiative was unveiled at the Authority’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, with about 60 young people drawn from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos Watch Alliance and Youths for Sustainability.
The Lagos State Government disclosed this in a post on its official Facebook page on Saturday.
Speaking at the launch, LAWMA Managing Director/CEO, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Finance, Kunle Adebiyi, said the programme would equip young people with knowledge and practical skills to promote responsible waste management.
He said the initiative would expose participants to waste management operations, waste-to-energy, circular economy, composting, recycling and the respective roles of LAWMA and citizens in keeping Lagos clean.
“The idea is to expose young people to waste management operations, waste-to-energy, circular economy, composting, recycling and the roles expected of LAWMA and citizens in achieving a cleaner Lagos,” he said.
Gbadegesin said the initiative would deepen youth participation through knowledge sharing, advocacy, engagement and collaboration.
He added that LAWMA would create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to participate in emerging green industries while partnering with youth and community organisations to promote sustainable waste management practices.
According to him, the programme would provide a platform for young people to engage directly with LAWMA, share ideas and raise concerns about waste management while improving communication between the Authority and youth organisations.
The LAWMA boss urged participants to take the message of responsible waste disposal to their communities, schools and social networks.
He stressed that sustainable waste management requires active participation from citizens, not only government agencies.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Dr Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, represented by the Director, Scientific, Mrs Yewande Obasa, commended LAWMA for involving young people in the state’s environmental agenda.
She urged the participants to become ambassadors of the Cleaner Lagos vision.
NANS Lagos Chairman, Comrade Quadri Odewunmi, pledged the support of participating youth groups for LAWMA activities, including clean-up campaigns, advocacy and grassroots sensitisation.
Participants also discussed key waste management challenges and opportunities, including waste collection, illegal dumping, enforcement, recycling, scavenging, cart pushing, material recovery facilities and the circular economy.
LAWMA will provide periodic training, facility visits, youth-focused communication channels and recognition for impactful environmental initiatives.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Hope Ajayi