The Lagos State Government has advocated a bridging of the gap between public, and private sectors, academia and civil societies to harness the collective strength and resources for the adoption of environmental innovations.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu made this known at the maiden edition of Environmental Education Engagement held today at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja, adding that stakeholders working together can accelerate the development and adoption of environmental innovations.
Stressing the importance of Stakeholder participation in open and transparent communication, he said as the whole world is facing unprecedented challenges, it is incumbent for key stakeholders to come together and forge a path towards a sustainable lifestyle for all.
He said stakeholders sharing values, experiences and best environmental practices would collectively identify innovative solutions that have the potential to transform the relationship with the environment, saying no single entity can solve these complex challenges alone.
The Special Adviser added that engaging stakeholders is crucial in attending to the complex and dynamic nature of environmental problems which requires flexible and transparent decision-making that embraces diversity of knowledge and values.
He stated further that it is important to foster a supportive ecosystem for innovation by providing financial incentives, and supporting research and development as this approach is a pathway to unleash the collective creative potential and drive meaningful change in society.
Rotimi-Akodu noted that the stakeholder engagement must encompass inclusivity as environmental challenges affect all communities but their impacts are often disproportionately felt by marginalised groups,
He explained that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that the benefits of environmental innovations are accessible to all by incorporating diverse perspectives and addressing social justice with various strategies to build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
He, therefore, urged everyone to transcend boundaries, collaborate relentlessly, and champion novel solutions that will safeguard the planet for future generations
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Tajudeen Omobolaji stated that the maiden edition of the Environmental Education Stakeholders engagements was to deliberate on a topic of utmost importance to every sector in the State.
The Permanent Secretary, who spoke through the Director, Environmental Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, said in a fast-changing world with increased environmental challenges, it is imperative to foster collaboration and support among all stakeholders to address the challenges sustainably.
He said stakeholder engagement generates knowledge for value creation and designing environmental policies to help enhance sustainable waste management in the state.