Lagos, June 26th, 2025

The Lagos State Government through the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular has deepened its grassroots climate action strategy with the latest activation of the Eco-Circulate initiative in Ayobo, Alimosho Local Government Area, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive circular economy development across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, led the activation and addressed residents during a service at the New Dawn Redeemed Church, where the event was held in partnership with the church’s Women’s Programme. She emphasized the strategic role of women and faith-based institutions in advancing environmental stewardship, climate education, and community-led sustainability efforts.

Eco-Circulate is a flagship initiative of the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE) that incentivizes community participation in waste management through recycling and value recovery. Residents turn in recyclable materials such as plastics, textiles, cartons, HDPE, and metals, and receive rewards including cash, food items, and gas vouchers. In Ayobo, the activation recorded over 1.6 tonnes of recyclable waste, comprising 871.02 kg of textiles, 326.15 kg of cartons, and 207.94 kg of plastics, reflecting increasing public engagement in circular practices.

A Junk Yard Sale was also conducted as part of the activation, allowing residents to access gently used household items at minimal or no cost. This component promoted the principle of product life extension, a core tenet of circular economy thinking.

The OCCE’s collaboration with the New Dawn Redeemed Church underscores its strategy of leveraging local institutions and trusted platforms to deliver targeted climate interventions. Faith-based programmes particularly those focused on women are proving to be critical entry points for environmental literacy, behavior change, and inclusive participation in underserved areas.

With previous activations held in Badagry, Ajah, and the Trade Fair Complex, Eco-Circulate is rapidly gaining ground as a replicable model for environmental engagement in high-density communities where the informal economy plays a central role. The initiative aligns with Lagos State’s broader goals of reducing emissions, creating green jobs, and building resilient, climate-smart neighborhoods.

According to Mrs. Oshodi, “When we say we are building a circular economy, it is not an abstract policy, it is about putting money in people’s hands, food on their tables, and a renewed sense of responsibility in our communities. Eco-Circulate brings the message home.”