The Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL), on Thursday unveiled it’s secretariat during a ceremony to mark the International Waste Pickers Day in Lagos.
Delivering an address to mark the day, Mr Friday Oku, also called for formal recognition of waste pickers as key actors in sustainable waste management.
The event had the theme: “Zero Waste and Circular Economy Initiative: No Sustainability Without Waste Pickers.”
Oku said waste pickers remain the backbone of the circular economy, recovering valuable materials from streets, dumpsites and communities before they end up in landfills.
According to him, waste pickers reduce waste, promote reuse and enable recycling, thereby contributing significantly to environmental sustainability and public health.
Oku, however, lamented that many waste pickers operate without protective equipment, social protection, fair pay or proper recognition.
He said a just circular economy must recognise waste pickers as environmental workers and include them in policy formulation and decision-making.
Oku called on governments, private sector actors and development partners to formally recognise waste pickers and invest in their cooperatives and associations.
He also appealed to stakeholders for support to equip and furnish the newly opened ASWOL secretariat to strengthen the association’s operations.
In a goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended waste pickers for their contribution to recycling and environmental sustainability.
Gbadegesin was represented by Mrs Oguntola Omolara, an Assistant Chief Scientific Officer, LAWMA.
Gbadegesin described members of ASWOL as pioneers of recycling and “superheroes” whose efforts support waste recovery across the state.
He acknowledged challenges in the recycling business, including fluctuating material prices and operational difficulties faced by waste pickers.
He assured ASWOL of continued support and encouraged stronger organisation and cooperation among members.
Gbadegesin also expressed hope that a secretariat established in the name of ASWOL would strengthen coordination and collaboration.
Also speaking, the Assistant General Secretary of ASWOL, Mrs Tessy Bul-Insima, advocated greater adoption of zero-waste and circular economy initiatives.
Bul-Insima said zero-waste focuses on reducing waste through reuse, repair and recycling, while the circular economy keeps materials in continuous use.
She urged governments, businesses and individuals to adopt sustainable practices that conserve resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Others partners present at the occasion also delivered good will messagea at the event.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was formal opening of the ASWOL secretariat by the representative of the LAWMA managing director, flanked by the Executive Director of Sweep Foundation, Ambassador Obuesi Philips.
