The Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ibrahim Odumboni, has asserted that Lagos State was sitting on a pile of wealth and not a pile of waste, as the waste generated around the state, represented huge economic resources, comparable to the black gold.
He equally enjoined the public to have a reorientation about waste by treating it well through proper containerization after sorting at source.
He made the assertion while speaking on the topic, “Innovations in Waste to Wealth”, at the 9th International Lagos State Climate Change summit, held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, themed: “Integrating Climate Actions in Lagos Development; Investment Opportunities and Trade-offs”.
Odumboni urged Lagosians to embrace the value in waste, as a source of wealth creation rather than as rubbish, adding that the authority has been at the forefront of bringing in new ideas to meet up with the waste management practices in developed countries like Finland, Germany, USA and others.
According to him, “With the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, LAWMA is working towards zero plastic waste in our landfills, for only organic waste. All our plastic waste will be recycled. We are there already and that is why we keep sensitizing people to always separate their waste. All organic wastes will be used as compost for fertilizer. Our bags and T-Shirts are made from pet bottles when recycled, etc.
“Also, LAWMA Academy was borne out of the innovation in waste management. In the Academy, we train young children, teens and adults on the opportunities in waste, and they have become environment ambassadors. Young children now make flower vases, baskets and pencil cases, from pet bottles and cardboards”, he stressed.
Earlier in his keynote address, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr Kadri Hamzat, noted that the summit was a clarion call for everyone to achieve a concerted effort at securing the future from the harsh consequences of unabated climate change.
He said, “In just a year, I can say with great confidence that the Lagos Climate Action Plan has started to deliver great and impactful rewards, including attracting the attention of critical supporters and partners”.
In his welcome address, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, noted that the summit served as affirmative action, in support of the role of the private sector, in mitigating the effects of climate change.
“Climate actions require significant investment plans and it is also a known fact that the economic cost of Climate Change far exceeds the cost of action. That is why the Ministry is forward-looking with her collaborative efforts, with the private sector, in order to maximise the inherent benefits of climate action”, he stressed.
There were other break-out sessions at the 2-day summit, with topics ranging from “Youth Innovate for Climate Action, Creating Green Corridors and Resilient Cities by Integrating Nature into Urban Life, among others.
The event was attended by the wife of the governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; former deputy governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Engr. Joe Igbokwe; the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Tajudeen Gaji, and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Nurudeen Shodeinde, among notable facilitators and panellists.