The Momentum Support Initiative (TMSI) held a training program at Jaiye Oba Community of Alimosho Local Government with about 93 participants in attendance. The inaugural Climate Workshop took place at the Alimosho Local Government area, specifically within the Jaiye Oba community in Shasha. The workshop gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including market women, students, LAWMA sweepers, LAWMA officers, sanitarians (health and environmental officers), local government officials, youth leaders, and community leaders, all coming together to address critical environmental issues. A total number of 93 persons were in attendance for this workshop.
The event began with a warm welcome from TMSI Community Relations Officer. Participants were assisted with registration and pre-test slips, and seated for the workshop. In an interactive introductory segment, participants were asked about their reasons for attending. Some mentioned because they were curious on what we wanted to discuss, others wanted to learn more about how to dispose off their dirts better. The engagement across the room aimed to ensure everyone was aligned with the workshop’s objectives, fostering active participation. Both students and key stakeholders contributed responses, and those who answered correctly during the quiz round received small gifts of TMSI merches.
Following the introduction, the workshop purpose was outlined by TMSI Program Officer and a co-compere, TMSI Finance Officer: addressing waste management and flood prevention in Alimosho. Key stakeholders were introduced, setting the stage for an insightful day. In the next session, a representative from Eco Science Generation highlighted the critical issues surrounding waste dumping especially at junctions and close to the drainage linkage points, and its impact on increased flooding within the area causing damages of properties and sometimes loss of lives. The representative further discussed how improper waste management negatively affects community health, including diseases such as cholera, and touched on broader concerns like the heat wave and global warming.
A LAWMA officer then took the floor to explain waste management laws and regulations. Using practical demonstrations, he illustrated proper disposal methods with color-coded disposable bags, covering various waste types and their management techniques. The officer also emphasized the importance of recycling and warned about the legal consequences of violating waste management rules, which could lead to jail time. A participant raised concern that the bags might be too expensive for poor households to procure regularly. To address this, the LAWMA rep disclosed that if they couldn’t afford the bag, they can indicate to an assigned community LAWMA official and use a proper sealable bag and place it properly at pickup point.
The Secretary to the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government addressed attendees next, underscoring the individual responsibility each person has in maintaining a clean, flood-free community. He reminded the audience that sustainable change begins at home and extended gratitude to TMSI and their partners for bringing this vital initiative to the community.
A panel discussion followed, featuring a LAWMA officer, a LAWMA sweeper, and a sanitarian from the health and environment sector. This interactive session allowed participants to pose various questions, fostering an open dialogue on waste management practices and environmental health.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from the TMSI project manager, acknowledging the contributions of all attendees and reinforcing the commitment to continued environmental education and action within Alimosho.
This workshop marks the first phase of a continued effort to raise awareness and implement strategies for effective waste management and flood control in the Alimosho community.