10th August, 2024
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said circular economy is essential for sustainable development with the world changing fast with dynamics of the economies and societies.
The governor stated this on Thursday at a close-out event marking the achievement made with the pilot phase of empowering 100 girls and women through a waste to wealth programme, which is expected to scale up to 20,000.
The initiative tagged “Leave No One behind” was held at the Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba in Lagos. It is collaboration between Office of the Special Adviser, Climate Change and Circular Economy, and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and it is to develop girls and women with skill and competence in installation of biogas digester, ottoman seats, mirrors, and jewelry using waste regeneration to create job opportunities and generate wealth.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, said the initiative would benefit both the environment and the economy by focusing on the reusing and recycling materials to produce items for wealth creation.
“Our world is changing rapidly, and with it, the dynamics of our economies and societies. The circular economy framework is not just an alternative but a necessity for sustainable development.
“By focusing on reducing waste, reusing resources, and recycling materials, we create a system that benefits both the environment and the economy.
“This initiative has equipped our participants with the skills to thrive in such a system, turning challenges into opportunities and waste into wealth.”
Sanwo-Olu urged stakeholders and partners to see the initiative as a model that would continue to endeavor to enable sustainability for the vulnerables in the society.
He restated his administration’s commitment to the ‘No One is left behind’ mantra with advocacy and policies that would support a circular economy.
“We embarked on this mission with a clear vision: to ensure inclusivity, promote wealth creation, enhance living standards, and foster sustainability for marginalized communities.
“We must continue to advocate for and implement policies that support the circular economy. We must continue to invest in education and skills development, and continue to strive for a world where no one is left behind,” he said.
In her remarks, Special Adviser, Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi said: ”This initiative supports local agriculture and highlights the economic advantages of sustainable practices by supplying organic fertiliser to the facility’s farm, we have improved produce quality, reduced market costs, and ensured better nutrition for residents.
“This approach not only reduces the volume of waste but also creates new economic opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability. By valorising waste, we are not only addressing environmental concerns but also generating economic benefits that contribute to the prosperity of Lagos State.”
In his goodwill message, Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi represented by Mrs. Titilope Ngozi said health risks associated with the project were properly being looked into to ensure that the threats were prevented for the girls as they were initiated into the circular economy.
He added that caution should be taken in the processes of recycling so as not to add to the carbon footprints and air pollution in order not to create another problem while solving one.
Other Speakers include Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; his counterparts, the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab; Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya; Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye; Danish Consul General-Lagos, Jette Bjerrum and development partners.
