Lawmakers Trained in Bead Art and Fashion Design

Empowering Lagos Waste Management Workers Through New Skills

Street sweepers affiliated with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have successfully completed a month-long training program focused on bakery, bead making, and fashion design. This initiative is part of the second phase of the Glo Foundation–LAWMA SkillsBridge project, which aims to offer alternative income opportunities for workers in the sanitation sector.

The training took place from June 16 to July 10, 2025, and was designed to equip participants with new skills that extend beyond their traditional roles in waste management. The goal is to provide sustainable livelihoods and improve the overall quality of life for these individuals. The program highlights the importance of diversifying career paths and ensuring long-term economic stability for workers in the sector.

A graduation ceremony is scheduled for July 17 at the Glo Innovation Hub, where participants will showcase the skills they have acquired during the training. This event marks a significant milestone for the workers, as it celebrates their achievements and the new possibilities that have opened up for them.

Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, emphasized the importance of the initiative in transforming the lives of sweepers. He described the program as a crucial step toward improving their living conditions and providing them with a sustainable source of income. Gbadegeshin highlighted the dedication of the participants, who demonstrated their abilities in various fields after undergoing intensive training.

He also noted that the collaboration between the Glo Foundation and LAWMA reflects a shared commitment to economic empowerment and workforce development. By offering training in creative and entrepreneurial areas, the program helps to restore dignity to labor and promote inclusive growth. This effort aligns with LAWMA’s broader mission of environmental sustainability and social upliftment.

The SkillsBridge initiative has proven to be a model for inclusive development, demonstrating how partnerships between organizations can lead to meaningful change. It not only provides workers with new skills but also fosters a sense of purpose and self-reliance. The program encourages participants to explore new career paths and contribute to the local economy in innovative ways.

Key aspects of the program include:

• Bakery Training: Participants learned essential baking techniques and how to run a small-scale bakery business.
• Bead Making: This module focused on crafting intricate bead designs, which can be sold as unique handmade products.
• Fashion Design: Trainees were introduced to the fundamentals of designing and creating clothing, opening up opportunities in the fashion industry.

The success of the second phase of the SkillsBridge initiative underscores the potential for similar programs to be implemented in other sectors. By investing in the skills and talents of workers, organizations can create a more resilient and diverse workforce. This approach not only benefits individual workers but also contributes to the overall economic development of the community.

As the graduates prepare for their ceremony, the impact of this initiative is expected to extend far beyond the immediate participants. It sets a precedent for future collaborations and highlights the importance of continuous learning and skill development in today’s ever-evolving job market.