The 2024 edition of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative kicked off yesterday in Lagos with the First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu leading the participants of the programme on a memorable train ride and exposure to “waste to wealth” activities, marking the start of the 3-day residential workshop packed with educational and adventurous activities.
The train ride was one of several other learning curves and adventurous activities scheduled for the engagement of participants of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative throughout the three-day residential workshop.
The First Lady, a strong advocate for child welfare and education, expressed her excitement about the program’s potential to positively impact the lives of the boys involved, noting that the train ride symbolizes the journey of learning and discovery for the boys.
In addition to the Train Ride experience, the First Lady and her team also took the boys on an experiential tour of waste to wealth activities by ALKEM Nigeria Limited, a recycled Polyester Staple Fibre manufacturer located at Plot 4, Amuwo Odofin Industrial Estate, Lagos.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, her team members and the participants of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative were received by the Chief Operating Officer, Alkem Nigeria Limited, Mr. Arumugam Ramalingam and other top managament staff of the company during the visit.
According to the First Lady, the recycling company had proven its worth among other recyclers by building a name in the industry that is worthy of emulation.
She added that it was important for the children who have heard about recycling in their classrooms to to be exposed to the practical aspect of the recycling process with the hope of developing their interest in recycling activities.
The First Lady joined the Boy Child participants to tour the various equipments used for recycling purposes within the company with the recycling instructors explaining the lucrative aspect and economic benefits that abounds in recycling.
While giving an overview of the company, the Chief Operating Officer, revealed that ALKEM was established in the 1980s as a backward integration to the nation’s textile weaving and spinning industry, depending on import until the early 2000 when it decided to look inwards.
“Now, 100 percent of our raw materials are locally sourced and recycled and by doing this, we have created wealth for more than thousands of unemployed persons through Waste to Wealth,” he said.
Mr. Ramalingam said who said that he was happy to receive the Lagos First Lady and the young boys, personally commended the initiative of the Boy Child and the inclusion of experiential tour as part of the lined up events for the participants.
As the workshop continues for the next few days, the boys will engage in various team-building exercises, leadership challenges, and community projects, all aimed at reinforcing the lessons learned and fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.
The over 250 boys who have started their camping activities since the evening of Tuesday 11th June, 2024, will continue to engage in different learning engagements till Friday, 14th June, 2024 at Lagos State Model College, Meiran, Lagos.
Participants during the period of the camping will also have the opportunity to engage with successful leaders from various fields, including business, politics, and non-profit organizations.
