Lagos Govt Tasks Workforce On Circular Economy Practices, Launches Waste Valorisation Centre
By BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Government has charged members of her workforce to imbibe circular economy principles, as it launched a Waste-to-Value collection hub at the weekend.
Civil Servants were advised to play the role of change agents in the State’s economic transformation effort in shaping a sustainable future. The charge came at the launching of a Waste-to-Value collection hub, a Charity Begins At Home 2.0 initiative of the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy. The event was held at the Quadrant car park (quarters of Ministries of Economic Planning and Budget, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Youth and Social Development; Lagos Water Regulatory Commission and Lagos State Safety Commission) in the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
A well-designed containerized space with signs and marks to help identify the different points of exchange, where civil servants can swap wastes such as PET bottles, tin cans, paper, cartons, textiles, for financial benefits and other well-structured financial aid.
Performing the launch exercise, the Lagos state Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro said embracing the initiative in the public service was a means of empowerment and presented sustainable financial inclusion structures for civil servants. His words, “It’s not just a policy directive. It is a moral, economic and strategic imperative. By adopting waste-to-value models, we empower ourselves with innovative pathways for financial stability, resource optimization and environmental stewardship. “This initiative goes beyond waste management. It introduces sustainable financial inclusion structures, such as decision, adjunct and cooperative models that provide economic resilience for civil servants.” Agoro stressed that the initiative was a meaningful way of shrinking the need for landfills, which would improve preservation of the environment for future generations. Charging public servants on the need to play active roles in promoting green policies, he said “Imagine a Lagos where civil servants actively participate in waste valorization, serve as agents that integrate green policies and systems into its operation and where our collective effort sets the precedent for other states to follow. “As we embark on this journey, I challenge each and every one of us to take ownership of this initiative through responsible waste segregation, building status, participation in cooperative savings schemes, and advocating for green policies in our respective offices. We all have a role to play in shaping a sustainable future,” he said. In his remarks, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George said: “This is not just a government initiative; it is a movement that requires the collective effort of civil servants, private sector players, environmental advocates and every resident of Lagos. “The circular economy thrives on collaboration, innovation and a commitment to sustainability. This is very important and an opportunity for us all to embrace these principles in our daily lives, thereby transforming both valuable resources and moving away from the traditional linear economy of take-make-and-dispose. He urged civil servants to remain engaged, be inspired and take a look at some innovative steps that would help drive the circular economy vision forward. Earlier in her opening address, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi noted that engaging the civil service workforce of over 5,000 staff members can influence the drive to change and promote sustainable practices within their households and communities. Her words, “it has become imperative that our workforce not only become climate friendly and nutrient, but also find economic benefits in driving environmentally sustainable landscapes in their daily output, both at work and at home. “The sheer volume of our civil service workforce presents a unique opportunity for a multiplier effect. As these individuals adopt sustainable practices, they can inspire their families and communities to do the same and refine our impact across Lagos State.” Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecila Dada averred to the importance of the waste valorisation in the public service, stating that it would provide empowerment opportunities for members of staff. Permanent Secretaries, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu (Youth and Social Development), Mrs. Olayinka Ojo (Economic Planning and Budget) and Directors from the State’s parastatals were present at the event. Also present at the take-off were Nollywood actors: Foluke Daramola- Salako; Ayo Adesanya; Sola Kosoko, her sibling, Bidemi Kosoko, Razak Owokoniran amongst others to lend their voice in support of the initiative.
