By Adeola Ogunlade
The SWEEP Foundation has unveiled the six Community Development Committees (CDCs) selected as finalists for the inaugural Lagos Waste Challenge, a competitive initiative aimed at tackling environmental and waste pollution across Lagos State.
The challenge is part of the activities leading up to the annual Lagos Waste Forum, scheduled to take place in 2-3 December 2024.
The Lagos Waste Challenge is a statewide mass mobilization campaign aimed at addressing environmental and waste pollution through recyclable waste plastic pick-up and recovery.
Amb. Obuesi Phillips, President of the Lagos Waste Forum, described the challenge as a statewide mobilization effort to inspire environmental responsibility.
“The Lagos Waste Challenge promotes inter-community rivalry in achieving environmental cleanliness, combats recyclable waste pollution, and fosters a clean, green, and sustainable Lagos State,” he said.
He stated that the grand prize of ₦1,000,000 will be awarded to the winning community, with other top performers receiving prizes of ₦500,000 and ₦250,000. The competition runs from November 13 to 26, 2024, as part of the lead-up to the Lagos Waste Forum scheduled for December 2-3, 2024.
He highlighted that the Six Finalist LGAs/CDCs Are: Ikorodu West CDC, Ojo LGA CDC, Agbede CDC, Ikoyi North CDC, Egbe-Idimu CDC (Alimosho LGA) and Lagos Island CDC
He further said that the initiative is organized by the SWEEP Foundation in collaboration with Technoserve and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, with funding support from The Coca-Cola Company.
“The Lagos Waste Challenge is a recyclable waste recovery and pick-up campaign designed to combat the adverse effects of poor waste management. It mobilizes communities to actively collect recyclable plastics and other waste materials, promoting environmental awareness and sustainability”, he said.
He asserted that Lagos State faces significant challenges from waste pollution, which poses health risks such as respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular issues, and the spread of infectious diseases. According to a recent Budgit Foundation report, improved waste management is critical to mitigating these public health hazards.
