By Uzor Odigbo
The planners of Lagos Waste Forum will host the 5th edition of the forum, themed, ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Potential: Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Pathways to Jobs, Business, and Sustainability’.
The 2 day event scheduled for December 2 – 3, 2024, in Lagos, according to Ambassador Obuesi Phillips the president of Lagos Waste Forum, will bring together stakeholders from government, corporate businesses, civil society, and the private sector to discuss innovative solutions to waste pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices.
The forum aptly tagged the ‘Future of waste forum’ will be declared open by Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwoolu, the First Lady of Lagos State.
Tokumbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, will deliver the keynote address, “Nigeria’s Vision for a Circular Economy”, outlining the nation’s strategies for achieving a circular economy and reducing waste pollution.
Ola Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, will deliver the forum’s lecture on “Waste Management in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities”, sharing best practices and lessons learned.
There will be panel discussions with experts from the government, private sector, and civil society, hosted by the European Union (EU), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Also, there will be an exhibition of innovative waste management technologies and products, as well asetworking opportunities with key stakeholders, to include Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority; Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager LASEPA; Prof. Lucian Chukwu, Deputy Vice Chancellor UNILAG, and Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company.
In addition and leading up to the forum is the Lagos Waste Challenge that is presently ongoing across the state that aims to promote community involvement in waste management and reduction.
The challenge is hosted in partnership with an International NGO Technoserve Nigeria encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to take action in reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Participants can share their experiences and tips on social media.
The Lagos Waste Forum is an initiative of the Statewide Waste and Environmental Education Foundation (SWEEP Foundation), in collaboration with the Coca-Cola Company and the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. This year’s event promises to be exciting, focusing on leveraging the economic value chain of plastic waste to drive sustainable development.
The Lagos Waste Forum is a high-level citizens’ forum dedicated to promoting sustainable waste management solutions in Nigeria. The forum aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to drive sustainable waste management in Africa’s megacity
