22nd August, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government is set to hold its inaugural Lagos Sustainability Summit (LSS) to drive sustainable development and environmental protection in the State.
The Summit is piloted by the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSDGs), in partnership with the Lagos State Safety Commission, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
The event will take place on September 12, 2024, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, and will bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and drive sustainable initiatives in Lagos State.
Speaking at a news conference in Ikeja, Lagos, to announce the Summit, the Special Adviser to the Lagos Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, said the Summit would lead to taking decisive actions that would shape the future of Lagos.
She said the theme, “Building a Resilient and Sustainable Lagos,” served as a call to action and a roadmap guiding government’s efforts to forge a city that is prosperous, equitable, and environmentally sound, stressing that “It is a vision where innovation thrives, and every citizen has the opportunity to succeed.”
“Under my leadership as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, we are laser-focused on addressing the critical environmental challenges and advancing sustainable initiatives. We will delve into the government’s steadfast commitment to sustainability which is reflected in every policy we enact and every initiative we undertake.
“We will explore the importance of community engagement and inclusion, recognising that a sustainable future is one that is built by everyone regardless of social strata. We will be championing ethical business practices and social impact, understanding that our economic growth must go hand in hand with our moral and social responsibilities. We will also drive the conversation on sustainable finance, knowing that the investments we make today will determine the Lagos of tomorrow,” Finnih stated.
According to Finnih, “Now, more than ever, we stand at a crossroad. The world as we know it is undergoing profound changes. Climate change, technological advancements, and shifts in global dynamics are redefining what it means to be a thriving society.
“In this moment, we are faced with a choice: to stand still and let these changes overwhelm us, or to rise to the occasion, to innovate, to adapt, and to lead. By our actions, Lagos is choosing to lead.”
The Special Adviser said the Summit would focus on showcasing government’s strategic initiatives and policies that reflect its dedication to sustainable development, fostering social cohesion by ensuring equitable participation in sustainability efforts and promoting fair labour standards and community engagement initiatives that drive positive social impacts.
Others are encouraging investments in projects that support the SDGs and integrate ESG criteria into financial decision-making and building resilient networks that support responsible waste management, local sourcing, and ethical labor practices.
Finnih added that the pillars of the summit—Social Responsibility, Climate Financing, Inclusive Development, Climate Mitigation, and Green Jobs, underscored government’s commitment to not just sustain but thrive.
The Special Adviser said the summit is expected to attract leaders from government, business, civil society, and academics, all working together towards a common goal of a sustainable Lagos, saying registration is now open, and that interested participants could register on the summit’s website.
Also present at the press conference were Dr. Jide Babatunde, Special Adviser E-GIS; Mr Lanre Mojola, Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission; Dr. Babatunde Ajayi and the General Manager, LASEPA and Mr Lekan Balogun, Special Adviser, Budget and Planning.
