In a bold move that blends environmental protection with economic empowerment, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has successfully equipped women and youths in Epe with practical skills to turn water hyacinth into a source of livelihood.
Implemented in partnership with social enterprise, Mitimeth, the initiative focused on transforming the invasive aquatic plant into innovative, marketable products while promoting sustainable environmental practices.
The five-day Water Hyacinth Recycling Training Programme, held from January 19 to 23, 2026, empowered 50 women and young people from Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Epe.
Throughout the intensive training, participants received hands-on instruction in harvesting, processing, and recycling water hyacinth.
These technical sessions were complemented by lessons on safety standards, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship, ensuring that beneficiaries were not only skilled artisans but also environmentally conscious entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the programme, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, reaffirmed LASWA’s commitment to innovative, community-driven solutions that enhance waterway safety, protect ecosystems, and improve livelihoods.
He noted that converting water hyacinth from an environmental nuisance into an economic resource aligns seamlessly with Lagos State’s vision for sustainability, job creation, and inclusive growth under the blue economy agenda.
The Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Monsuru Akinloye, commended LASWA for bringing the impactful initiative to the community, describing it as a timely intervention that addresses the persistent water hyacinth challenge while empowering women and youths with valuable, income-generating skills.
With over 450 women and young people already trained across Lagos’s riverine communities, LASWA says it is poised to scale up similar programmes across the state.
The authority’s growing intervention underscores a clear message: environmental challenges, when met with innovation and inclusion, can become powerful engines for sustainable development and community transformation.
Mitimeth, which facilitated the training, delivered engaging demonstrations and one-on-one mentorship, enabling participants to apply their new skills immediately.
At the close of the programme, trainees proudly showcased a range of beautifully crafted recycled products. They shared plans to establish cooperatives and micro-enterprises—signalling a pathway to long-term economic independence.
