society
LAWMA’s Waste Management Academy takes off in Lagos
Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has established an academy to provide quality education, proper engagement and adequate sensitisation in helping people to make informed and strategic decisions about waste management in the State.
The LAWMA Academy, which is first of its kind by any waste management authority in Nigeria would provide knowledge hub for credible hands on tutelage and certification in solid waste management.
LAWMA Academy is an educational arm of LAWMA that engages innovative approach to support corporate and personal development and drive social responsibility among citizens. The Academy renders several programmes and services with the goal to improve waste literacy and promote good waste management practices to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
The Academy, which was established to raise next generations of scholars and entrepreneurs in waste management, is charged with the responsibility of implementing first-class educational programme in waste management aimed at changing the social order, promote care and respect for the environment and open up business opportunities for people in the waste management sector.
It would also develop a platform for collaborative partnership in waste management geared towards knowledge acquisition and career and business development for individual, organisations and institutions whilst promoting adoption and implementation of sustainable waste management practices to general public.
It would also provide structured trainings and workshops on waste management for all stakeholders which include; public and private entities and individuals involved in generation, collection, transportation, utilisation, recycling and disposal of waste in Lagos State and beyond with trainings and courses that promote standard ethics, integrity and compliances to waste management and environmental regulations.
LAWMA is an agency of Lagos State Government statutorily charged with management of solid waste in the state and it remains the pace setter for waste management in Nigeria. LAWMA since its inception has adopted several programmes and strategies to manage waste in Lagos State, most of which did not suffice to bring about the desired change.
Lagos State based on its special status as the economic hub of Nigeria, rapid population growth, urbanization and industrialization, has a direct impact on the volume of waste being generated on daily basis in the State, and the social disposition of the populace towards waste management is highly unsatisfactory and most corporate organisations and businesses still lack the basic information and technical know how on proper waste handling.
To address issues of waste management in Lagos State, LAWMA has been up to the task in ensuring that all the nooks and crannies of Lagos are clean and safe to prevent communicable diseases and ensures no stone is left unturned in managing waste in the Centre of Excellence.
Having come to the realization that provision of quality education, proper engagement and adequate sensitisation on waste management practices are required to promote acceptability and conformity to laws and regulations in its sector, LAWMA was propelled to come up with the LAWMA Academy in a time like this.
LAWMA through the Academy will partner and work collaboratively with other sectors of the economy to promote the concept of a sustainable environment and achieve objectives of the Academy, which is to raise the next generation of Solid Waste Management scholars and entrepreneurs; connect the government, academia and institutions for a workable reform in the waste sector; create a hub for people to network, share ideas and espouse practices that will increase awareness and knowledge in waste management and train participants in skills and knowledge required to be competitive in the waste global economy. It will also groom responsible citizens that are capable of changing the social order in waste management and provide children with a variety of individualized and creative summer learning experience in waste management.
LAWMA Academy is in partnership with some academic institutions, research institutes, professional bodies in the environmental sector and identified stakeholders in other sectors including private, government and NGOs for a workable implementation the various programs and activities.
It will also promote the adoption of waste management into school curriculums from primary to tertiary level and work closely with higher institutions of learning to facilitate certification trainings in waste management and inclusion of waste management as one of the courses for Bachelor, Masters and P.hD degrees.
The Academy will also provide an experience forum for participants to gain practical skills and unique opportunities to learn, exchange existing practices, discuss challenges and develop a better informed decision-making process in waste management.
The Academy is offering key services, which are Internship programme, Organisational Training, Specialty Training in Waste Management, Summer School for students, Waste Summit and Waste Competition. All the services are geared toward promoting standard ethics, integrity and compliances to waste management and Environmentally regulations by individuals, corporations, professionals, and businesses in Lagos State.
The Internship Programme is an intensive training platform that will engage individuals on sustainable waste practices and also improve their employability skills. This programme will enroll applicants between age of 18 and 28 for internship experience with LAWMA through different learning processes and the interns will have the opportunity to be trained on execution of waste management tasks as well as data gathering and research.
The organisational trainings is certification training for professionals, business owners, other waste management agencies and waste handlers in corporate environment and industries. The training will introduce corporate organisations and others to the fundamentals of public and corporate waste handling focusing on best practices to reduce, reuse, recycle and manage the resultant waste.
The Specialised Training will be designed for interested applicants in special area of interest in waste management and trainings on special area of interest like waste fleet management, waste business, waste to wealth and forensic waste analysis, among others will be offered based on individual interests.
The Summer School is for students in primary and secondary schools. At the summer school, students would be exposed to the concept of waste management through some students Educational programmes in waste management at LAWMA’s facilities for about two to four weeks.
For the LAWMA Waste Challenge Competition, the Academy would organise periodic quiz and essay competitions on waste management and schools and individuals would apply to participate online, and prizes and awards will be presented to winners.
The Annual Waste Management Summit would focus on addressing contemporary waste management and environmental issues. During the summit, professionals, academia, policy makers and other stakeholders are would apply to participate.
Certificate on completion of waste management training with LAWMA will be issued to trainees at the end of the programme and it will be displayed in offices and corporations. It is expected that after completion of services offered by the LAWMA Academy, the trainees would be well informed and trained to adopt good waste management practices, develop a Solid Waste Management plan for their facilities and support government’s efforts to increase awareness on a cleaner environment, instill behavioral change and prevent indiscriminate waste disposal. The participants would also be exposed to business opportunities embedded in the waste management sector, enhance understanding of standards tools for waste minimization via reduce, reuse and recycle concept.
The Project Partners and sponsors of the LAWMA Academy would comprise private business owners, corporate entities, government Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs). It would also include academia, institutions, waste management and recycling companies, environmental friendly organisations, NGOs and other executives who share common value and passion for empowering the younger generations and promoting a cleaner and better environment.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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