Top government officials, Coca-Cola, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the European Union (EU) are set to grace the fifth Lagos Waste Forum.
This is contained in a statement signed by Amb. Obuesi Phillips, the President, Lagos Waste Forum, on Wednesday in Lagos.
Phillips said the forum slated for Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 would take place at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos State.
According to Phillips, the theme of the Forum is: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Potential: Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Pathways to Jobs, Business, and Sustainability.”
He said the forum would bring together stakeholders from government, corporate businesses, civil society, and the private sector to discuss innovative solutions to waste pollution and sustainable waste management practices.
Phillips said the event tagged the “Future of Waste Forum” would be declared open by Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor’s wife.
He added that Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, would deliver the keynote address.
He said that Mr Ola Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, would deliver the forum’s lecture on “Waste Management in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities,” sharing best practices and lessons learned.
Phillips said the forum would also feature a panel discussion with experts from government, private sector and civil society; hosted by the EU, UNIDO and ILO.
He listed other personalities to expected at the occasion as Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager LASEPA and Prof. Lucian Chukwu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor UNILAG.
He added that Mrs Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at the Coca-Cola Company would grace the occasion.
“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 non-governmental organisation, Technoserve Nigeria, which encourages individuals, communities, and organisations to take action in reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
“Participants can share their experiences and tips on social media using the hashtag #LagosWasteChallenge,” Phillips said.
He said the forum is an initiative of the Statewide Waste and Environmental Education Foundation in collaboration with The Coca-Cola Company and the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
He said that the 2024 event promises to be exciting, focusing on leveraging the economic value chain of plastic waste to drive sustainable development.