LASWA Trains 50 Women, Youths in Epe on Water Hyacinth Recycling
Kathy Kyari
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth with the successful completion of a five-day Water Hyacinth Recycling Training Programme for women and youths in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Epe.
The training, held from January 19 to 23, 2026, was organised in partnership with Mitimeth and brought together 50 women and young people drawn from the riverine community. The programme focused on turning the persistent challenge of water hyacinth infestation into an opportunity for skills development, job creation, and environmental protection.
Designed to promote creativity and environmental responsibility, the workshop equipped participants with practical, hands-on skills to harvest, process, and recycle water hyacinth into innovative and marketable products.
Sessions on safety practices, entrepreneurship, and sustainable environmental care complemented the technical training, ensuring participants were well-prepared to translate their new skills into viable livelihoods.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, emphasized LASWA’s commitment to pioneering solutions that enhance waterway safety, protect ecosystems, and uplift local communities. He noted that transforming an invasive plant into a source of income aligns with Lagos State’s broader vision for sustainability, job creation, and inclusive growth.
Mitimeth, the social enterprise that facilitated the training, delivered engaging demonstrations and provided personalised mentorship throughout the programme.
This approach enabled participants to immediately apply their knowledge, resulting in the production of neatly crafted recycled items. Many of the trainees also shared plans to form cooperatives and micro-enterprises, signalling a pathway to long-term economic empowerment.
The Executive Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Hon. Monsuru Akinloye, commended LASWA for bringing the impactful programme to the community, acknowledging its dual potential to mitigate the challenges posed by water hyacinth while empowering women and youths with valuable, income-generating skills.
LASWA disclosed that the initiative is part of a broader effort that has already trained over 450 women and young people across Lagos’ riverine communities. The Authority said it plans to scale up similar programmes across the state to promote sustainable livelihoods, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.
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