CIRCULAR ECONOMY, A NECESSITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that circular economy is essential for sustainable development as the world is changing fast through the dynamics of many economies and societies across the globe.

The Governor stated this on Thursday at a close-out event organised to mark the achievements made with the pilot phase of the empowering programme for 100 girls and women through a Waste to Wealth initiative, which is expected to be scaled up to reach 20,000 beneficiaries.

The programme, tagged: “Leave No One Behind”, was held at the Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba, Lagos. It is a collaboration between the Office of the Special Adviser, Climate Change and Circular Economy, and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, designed to empower girls and women with skill and competence in the installation of Biogas Digester, Ottoman Seats, Mirrors and Jewellery using recycled waste to make valuable products while creating job opportunities and generating wealth.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event 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 reusing and recycling materials to produce items for wealth creation.

He said, “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”.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged stakeholders and partners to see the initiative as a model that would continue to enable sustainability for the vulnerable in 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 marginalised 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 farms. 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”, she said.

In his goodwill message, Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, represented by Mrs. Titilope Ngozi, said health risks associated with the project are properly being looked into to ensure that the threats are prevented for the girls as they are initiated into the circular economy. He added that caution should be taken in the processes of recycling so as not to increase the carbon footprints and air pollution. This is to ensure that another problem is not created while attempting to solve one.

Other Speakers at the event include the State Commissioners for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Environment and Water Resources, Barr. Tokunbo Wahab; Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye; Danish Consul General, Lagos, Ms. Jette Bjerrum and representatives of development partners.