NEWS
LAWMA, Green VET Africa Hold First Youth Empowerment Workshop on Green Skills

LAWMA, Green VET Africa Hold First Youth Empowerment Workshop on Green Skills
In a significant step towards youth empowerment in the green sector, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Green VET Africa, have hosted a maiden workshop, highlighting the potential in green waste management and entrepreneurship.
The event, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja, was co-funded by the European Union, aiming to provide hands-on learning experiences for young participants from Nigeria and Ghana.
The workshop which followed a series of Green VET Project trainings geared towards equipping youths with skills in sustainable waste management and entrepreneurship, was supported by LAWMA’s technical expertise, to address the growing need for vocational education in the sector.
Delivering the keynote address, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, emphasised the Authority’s commitment to circular economy, where waste was viewed as valuable resource.
He said, “LAWMA’s key role is to attain a sustainable environment which can only be achieved if we all embrace sustainable waste management practices. We want to have a city where we will all be conscious of our actions and cherish our waste as resource.
Gbadegesin expressed delight at LAWMA’s involvement in the initiative, adding that the workshop would help enrich knowledge, providing entrepreneurial opportunities in the process.
“The Authority is honoured to be a major player in this green initiative. So many people are ignorant of the opportunities in waste management. This workshop will no doubt bridge the knowledge gap and also expose each and everyone here, to some technological innovations in this sector, which can be leveraged for entrepreneurship advantage”, he said.
Margerita Treslini, the Area Marketing Director of Apodissi, co-founder, and General Manager, representing Green VET Africa, highlighted the origins of the initiative, which according to her, was born out of the realisation that vocational training in waste management was underdeveloped in both Europe and Africa.
“Our mission is to organise developmental training programmes in waste management in Africa, having observed the sector is not given the required attention, especially the opportunities in the sector. Spain, Ghana and Nigeria are involved in this project and we are grateful LAWMA has helped us with her technical expertise and knowledge in the waste sector, to train 100 students from Nigeria and Ghana. Here we are today, all the trainees have been taught and we progress from there”, she said.
LAWMA’s Project Director for Green VET Africa, Mrs. Ademola Elizabeth, gave an overview of the project’s objectives, which aligned with the European Green Deal’s environmental goals. She explained that the project aimed to equip 100 participants from Lagos and Kumasi, with essential skills in green waste management and micro-entrepreneurship, to boost their employability.
“Basically, this project is to promote technical vocational training for youths in Nigeria and Ghana. A total number of 100 participants have been trained in Lagos and Kumasi, respectively on green waste management and micro-entrepreneurship to improve participants’ entrepreneurial and employability skills”, she noted.
Speaking further on the team’s achievement so far, Ademola noted that one of the major gains of the initiative, was the identification of specific stakeholders in the green waste management sector, who would share their experiences in the entrepreneurship journey.
“Today is all about articulating all that have been learnt into actionable goals. That is why we have invited stakeholders in the waste management sector, who will share their success stories, with challenges, so that the participants can learn from their experiences.” she stated.
Also in her presentation, Mrs. Jirinsola Olaleye, Head of LAWMA’s Circular Economy Department, who spoke on “Recycling: The Lagos Story”, encouraged participants to embrace the habit of sorting waste at the source, a crucial step towards a more sustainable environment.
The workshop also included a goodwill message from Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), who commended the Green VET Africa initiative, stressing the importance of collaboration to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Representing the Lagos Recyclers Association, Financial Secretary, Mrs. Omoh Alokwe, spoke on behalf of the president, Dr. Femi Idowu, emphasising the vast opportunities in recycling and urging participants to remain focused despite challenges.
The workshop featured breakout sessions where participants discussed the opportunities and challenges in the recycling sector, followed by group presentations and feedback.
Other notable attendees included Polysmart Group Managing Director, Mr. Wasiu Balogun; CEO of HygienePlus, Mr. Abdul Ganiy Oyekunle; a representative from United Waste, Mr. Haroon Bello, among others.
NEWS
IBEDC workers shut Ogun office, begin indefinite strike

Workers of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company on Monday commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage, non-remittance of pension and cooperative deductions, and the alleged dismissal of 17 staff members, among other welfare concerns.When our correspondent visited the Ogun Region office of IBEDC in Abeokuta on Thursday, employees were seen milling around while the main gate remained locked.Speaking on the development, the Vice President of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Lagos/Ogun Zone, Abiodun Shobayo said the workers had no option but to embark on the strike after months of failed negotiations with the IBEDC management.Shobayo said, “We are here this morning to say enough is enough. The IBEDC management cannot continue to take us for granted on issues we have raised for about nine months,” Shobayo said.
“For instance, our pension and cooperative deductions, running into billions of naira, have not been remitted. We are not given imprest, and workers have been using their personal funds to fix electricity faults and distribute bills.
“The management is not ready to implement the new minimum wage or even negotiate, claiming there is no money. They have also been sacking workers indiscriminately without following due process.“Seventeen of our members have already been affected, and we have said this cannot stand. We have exercised patience, but it seems the management has a hidden agenda. Just recently, 900 staff of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company were sacked; we do not want the same situation here.
“Seventy per cent of the workers here are casual staff, which is unacceptable. This strike is indefinite until the management sees reason. The action affects all IBEDC franchise areas, covering the six states of the South-West, as well as Kwara and Kogi.”Shobayo added that the union’s demands include the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements and the reinstatement of sacked workers before any negotiations to end the strike can begin.
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NEWS
Rite Foods Partners NASRE Foundation to Support Ailing Journalists

Rite Foods Limited, a leading indigenous manufacturer in the Food & Beverages sector, has partnered the Noble Association of Social and Resourceful Editors(NASRE) Foundation to provide support for ailing journalists and widows of deceased media practitioners in the country .
This collaboration comes as part of NASRE’s ongoing efforts to assist journalists facing health challenges across the country, having embarked on three outreach programmes last year.
The NASRE team was warmly received on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, by the management of Rite Foods at its Head Office in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Receiving NASRE team on behalf of the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Saleem Adegunwa, the Head of Corporate Communications and Brand Management , Mr. Ekuma Eze was elated with the visit.
Earlier during the visit, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NASRE, Mr. Adeyemi Obadimu had outlined the foundation’s mission and the purpose of the meeting. He revealed the health and financial challenges facing most veteran journalists, who had, during their active years, served the country meritoriously, but are now struggling to survive.
Obadimu highlighted that NASRE’s outreach programme last year was a success, benefiting over 70 individuals, including journalists suffering from partial stroke, widows, and widowers of deceased practitioners . He emphasised the importance of taking care of journalists in need, especially, the veterans who have contributed greatly to the industry.
“Journalism is a thankless job, and as much as we may be appreciated in our bylines, it is crucial that we care for our colleagues who have dedicated their lives to the profession,” said Obadimu.
Butressing his point, the Director, Public Engagement, Mr. Bunmi Obarotimi who represented the President of the association, Mr. Femi Oyewale said: “NASRE’s intends to launch the Foundation officially in this current year and we are proud to have Rite Foods as our partner going forward.”
In his response, Ekuma Eze commended NASRE Foundation for its noble and impactful initiatives, recognising the significant difference it has made in the lives of journalists and their families. He praised the foundation’s efforts in providing assistance to over 70 journalists and their dependents last year. Eze reiterated Rite Foods’ unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that foster the well-being of the media community.
“At Rite Foods, we are deeply invested in contributing to the development of our society. We understand the importance of health and well-being, especially for those who dedicate their lives to sharing vital information with the public. We believe in the mission of NASRE and are committed to supporting your work in every way possible,” Eze stated.
“This partnership will go beyond just providing financial support; we are dedicated to helping create an ecosystem where journalists can thrive, even in the face of adversity,” he added.
He also spoke about the company’s long-term goals, highlighting Rite Foods’ plan to expand beyond Nigeria and into other African countries. “We have exciting plans for the future,” he added. “Rite Foods is committed to not only strengthening its footprint within Nigeria but also extending our reach to the wider African continent. We believe that our growth will not only benefit our business but also contribute to the national economy, creates job opportunities, and foster the development of the beverage and food sectors.”
Eze emphasised that Rite Foods has been actively involved in national economic development, focusing on reducing unemployment and improving service delivery. As one of the leading manufacturers in the beverage, drinks, and sausages sectors, Rite Foods remains committed to excellence in all its business operations, he said.
Through innovation, quality products, and partnerships like the one with NASRE, the company aims to continue breaking new ground in the industry.
He concluded that, “Our mission at Rite Foods is clear: to improve lives, deliver quality products, and contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. We are proud to partner with organizations like NASRE that share our values of social responsibility and community development.”
The partnership between Rite Foods and NASRE marks a significant step in supporting the health and well-being of journalists, ensuring that those who have dedicated their careers to the industry receive the care and recognition they deserve.
NEWS
Public Assault; Ogun State Government Suspends Olorile of Orile-Ifo for six months

February 03, 2025
In a bid to ensuring dignity of persons and for the protection of sanctity of our revered traditional institution, the Ogun State Government led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, has placed Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo on six months suspension for his uncivil conduct not befitting the status of an Oba.
The decision was reached after the Kabiyesi and his victim were invited by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs for interrogation.
This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi as it was evident in the social media and being bandied in the larger public space.
After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation.
The foregoing decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.
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