Lagos State government has kicked off a training programme to equip 20,000 girls and women with essential skills in circular economy practices. And the first set of beneficiaries from the initiative which formed the pilot programme were pupils of the Special Correctional Centre for Girls in Idi-Araba where 50 girls were trained.
  
Speaking at the close-out event for the beneficiaries, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu tasked residents and other stakeholders on the need to continue to advocate for and implement policies that support the circular economy, because of its impact on the environment and economy.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Let us remember that inclusivity and sustainability are not mere buzzwords but the cornerstones of a thriving society. Let us pledge to continue working together to build a world where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed and prosper.
   
“We must continue to invest in education and skills development for marginalized communities. And we must continue to strive for a world where no one is left behind.
      
“To the girls and women who have completed this programme, I say this: You are the future of Lagos, the future of Nigeria, and the future of our world. You have the power to drive change, to create sustainable solutions, and to inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Never underestimate your potential, and never stop striving for excellence.
   
“It is an honor to stand before you today at the close-out event of the “Leave No One Behind Initiative.”

This moment marks the culmination of an extraordinary journey—a journey that has empowered and inspired over 20,000 girls and women in Lagos to envision a brighter future within the framework of the circular economy.
  
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, this groundbreaking initiative has been a catalyst for change. We embarked on this mission with a clear vision: to ensure inclusivity, promote wealth creation, enhance living standards, and foster sustainability for marginalized communities.
 
“Today, we celebrate the realisation of the vision that consolidates our promise to intensify focus on vulnerable groups in our State ensuring that every individual, irrespective of their background, gender, circumstances, or social status gets access to opportunity, support and enjoys the benefits of good governance.”
   
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi, said that the mission is driven by the belief that wealth creation, job creation, and zero carbon emission can be achieved through innovative circular economy practices.
  
“The  initiative is a testament to this belief, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the circular economy extend to everyone, particularly those who are most marginalised within our community. The motivation behind the initiative was rooted in our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Recognising the vast potential of the circular economy to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges, we aimed to create a model that would benefit the most marginalised members of our community.
  
“Our vision was to demonstrate that circular economy practices could provide not just environmental benefits but also tangible economic opportunities for those who need them most. This initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, was designed to empower over 20,000 girls and women with essential skills in circular economy practices. This effort began with a pilot programme at the Special Correctional Centre for Girls in Idi-Araba and has led to impressive achievements.
  
“The Leave No One Behind Initiative has the potential to contribute to Lagos State’s economy through its innovative revenue-generating practices. The correctional centre for girls, now functioning as a collection centre, engages approximately 1,000 community members, collecting 200 kg of recyclables weekly.”