With intensified efforts to support a circular economy for sustainable economic growth, the Lagos State government has revealed that about 20,000 of the female gender will be beneficiaries in its waste to wealth initiative.

This was stated by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, during a close-out event where 100 girls and women in the pilot phase were put through a waste to wealth processes, which is expected to scale up to 20,000.

The initiative, tagged “Leave No One Behind,” was held on Thursday at the Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba, in Lagos.

The Commissioner said the initiative championed by the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy is a partnership with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.

He noted that the program is to develop girls and women with skill and competence using waste regeneration to make valuable products such as biogas digester, ottoman seats, mirrors, and jewelry in order to create job opportunities and generate wealth.

He said, “This pioneering initiative has empowered 100 women and young girls with essential circular economy skills and aims to reach over 20,000 girls and women across Lagos by expanding the program to additional 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.”

The Commissioner further stated that the initiative serves as a catalyst for educational development and technology practice and is key to making youth active leaders on the global stage and not just partakers.

His words, ”Education and technology are pivotal in transforming Lagos into a 21st-century economy,. By equipping our youth 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 said.

In her remarks, Special Adviser, Climate Change, and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi, said that “the initiative has the potential to contribute to Lagos State’s economy through its innovative revenue-generating practices.

“The correctional center for girls, now functioning as a collection center, engages approximately 1,000 community members, collecting 200 kg of recyclables weekly.

The Special Adviser stated that waste management practices are an emerging revenue stream that would support Lagos State’s economic growth and create financial incentives for local communities.

She noted that “the achievements of the ‘Leave No One Behind’ initiative represent a significant step towards a circular economy model, emphasizing 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 include Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende; his counterparts, Environment and Water Resources, Barr. Tokunbo Wahab; Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye; Danish Consul General-Lagos, Ms. Jette Bjerrum; and representatives of development partners.