Circular Economy: Lagos Govt Launches Eco-Circulate Sensitization Campaign

<em>Special Adviser, Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope Goerge; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyitolu inspecting footwears made from recycled materials during a closeout event on circular economy practices in Idi-Araba, recently</em>

The Lagos State Government is set to launch a sensitization initiative aimed at promoting the Circular Economy as a solution to diversify the state’s resources by transforming waste into valuable assets.

The awareness campaign themed ‘Eco Circulate’ will commence in Badagry on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at St. Thomas Primary School, Agbalata Market Road, led by the  Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy.

The Eco-Circulate program is designed to increase awareness and adoption of the Circular Economy across Lagos State.

The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of climate impacts, such as flooding and waterborne diseases, on both the government and citizens.

The Circular Economy has the potential to create 10,000 to 30,000 jobs, foster new entrepreneurship, and cut over two million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually in Lagos State.

The program will incentivizes residents to participate in waste-to-value initiatives, offering rewards like health insurance, free public transport, foodstuffs, cooking energy, and airtime/data in exchange for recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, sachets of pure water, waste oil (black oil and used cooking oil in separate containers), e-waste such as phones, laptops, household appliances as well as textile waste.

Strategic partnerships with LASHMA, LASSRA, the Lottery Board, and external partners like telecom companies, manufacturers, and markets have been established to ensure the program’s success.

The campaign will extend across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State.