The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has trained 50 women and youths in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Epe, on recycling water hyacinth to marketable products.
The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Emmanuel said that LASWA carried out the five-day Water Hyacinth Recycling Training in partnership with Mitimeth.
He added that the training was designed to spark creativity and environmental responsibility.
“It provided hands-on skills to transform invasive water hyacinth into innovative and marketable products, tackling pollution while opening new economic avenues.
“Throughout the programme, participants mastered techniques in harvesting, processing and recycling water hyacinth,” he said.
The official said that the water hyacinth recycling training was complemented by sessions on safety practices, entrepreneurship and sustainable environmental care.
Emmanuel said that LASWA was committed to pioneering solutions that would boost waterway safety, safeguard ecosystems and uplift local communities.
“Turning a troublesome plant into a source of income aligns perfectly with Lagos’s vision for sustainability, job creation and inclusive growth.
“Mitimeth, the social enterprise leading the training, provided lively demonstrations and personalised mentorship, ensuring participants could immediately apply their new skills.
“The trainees displayed beautifully-crafted recycled products and shared exciting plans to form cooperatives and micro-enterprises, paving the way for lasting economic empowerment,” he said.
Emmanuel quoted Mr Monsuru Akinloye, the Executive Chairman of Eredo LCDA, as praising LASWA for the programme, which he described as impactful.
According to Emmanuel, Akinloye recognised the programme’s potential to reduce water hyacinth problems while empowering women and youths with valuable skills.
LASWA has trained more than 450 women and youths across the riverine areas of Lagos on water hyacinth recycling.
