The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has officially kicked off its 2024 summer school program, welcoming eager pupils to its headquarters in Ijora Olopa.
This initiative aims to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious young Lagosians by educating them on the importance of waste management and their pivotal role in maintaining a sustainable city.
In his opening address, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, captivated the young audience with compelling insights into waste transformation.
He emphasized the latent value in discarded items, illustrating how a simple plastic bottle could be repurposed into a playground component or an art piece, and how old toys can be rejuvenated for other children to cherish.
“Every item you discard has the potential for transformation,” Dr. Gbadegesin stated passionately. “A plastic bottle could become part of a playground or an art piece. Your old toys could be given new life for other children to enjoy, and paper can be recycled into beautiful new books or notebooks.”
He elaborated on LAWMA’s commitment to minimizing landfill waste through rigorous collection, sorting, and processing protocols designed to maximize reuse and recycling. “But we need your help too!” he urged the pupils.
“By learning to reduce, reuse, and recycle, you can be a part of this incredible transformation. Remember, every little action counts. When you recycle at home, you’re helping to save energy, reduce pollution, and conserve natural resources. Together, we can turn trash into treasure and make a big difference in our world.”
Adding to the inspiration, Mrs. Bola Adewunmi, head of LAWMA Academy Training and Development, encouraged the children to become environmental ambassadors, reinforcing the theme of collective responsibility.
The event was graced by key LAWMA officials, including Executive Director Mr. Kunle Adebiyi; Head Admin/HR Ms. Ranti Dosunmu; and Head of Advocacy Mr. Adewunmi Adetona, among others. With promises of an engaging and educational summer experience, LAWMA’s 2024 summer school program stands poised to plant seeds of environmental stewardship in the hearts of Lagos’s youth.