LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin - Engages 1,000 community members on recycling
The Lagos State government will empower about 20,000 girls and women with waste-to-wealth initiatives to support and boost a circular economy towards ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mobolaji Ogunlende stated this at the closing of ‘Leave No One behind’ campaign, an initiative of the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy. About 100 girls and women were trained in turning waste to wealth at the pilot phase.
The initiative is in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.
Ogunlende noted that the programme is to develop girls and women with skills and competencies, using waste regeneration to make valuable produce such as installation of biogas digester, ottoman seats, mirrors, and jewelry, to create job opportunities and generate wealth.
He said: “This initiative has empowered 100 women and young girls with essential circular economy skills. It aims to reach over 20,000 girls and women across when it is expanded to other locations. This aligns perfectly with our ministry’s vision to create an enabling and empowering environment for youth growth, and to promote effective citizenship and leadership training.”
Ogunlende added that the initiative serves as a catalyst for educational development and technology practice, and is also key to making youths become active leaders, not just partakers, on the global stage.
“Education and technology are pivotal in transforming Lagos into a 21st-century economy. By equipping our youths with the skills and knowledge required for the circular economy, we are preparing them to be leaders and innovators in a rapidly changing world. This initiative serves as a catalyst for educational advancement and technological adoption, ensuring that our youth are not just participants but leaders in the global economy,” he added.
Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi, noted that ‘the Initiative has the potential to contribute to the state’s economy through its innovative revenue-generating practices’.
“The correctional centre for girls, now functioning as a collection centre, engages approximately 1,000 community members, collecting 200kg of recyclables weekly.
“Waste management practices are an emerging revenue stream that would support Lagos State’s economic growth and create financial incentives for local communities.
“Achievements of the ‘Leave No One Behind’ campaign represent a significant step towards a circular economy model, emphasising resource efficiency, cost savings, and environmental stewardship.
“Our infrastructure now supports 1,000 individuals, has created new jobs, and contributes to reduced carbon emissions and operational costs, illustrating the extensive socio-economic impact of our efforts.”
Other Speakers were Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab; Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye; Danish Consul-General in Lagos, Ms. Jette Bjerrum and representatives of development partners.
