Lagos, February 14, 2025

As part of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and its Net Zero agenda, including enforcing the ban on plastics and non-biodegradable waste, the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE) has launched its first collection hub at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa. This initiative, dubbed Charity Begins at Home 2.0 (Valentine Jamboree), seeks to integrate waste valorization into civil service operations, transforming waste into economic opportunities while reinforcing Lagos’ efforts to reduce waste pollution.

The newly established collection hub, located at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget quadrant, provides a space where civil servants can deposit recyclables such as plastics, cans, metals, textiles, and paper in exchange for rewards, including gas vouchers, cash, airtime, cowry cards, or savings contributions (ajo). This initiative builds on the success of Charity Begins at Home 1.0, which distributed potted plants to directors to promote green office practices.

During her opening speech, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, emphasized that this initiative is another key driver of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Net Zero agenda.

“This hub is more than just a waste collection point; it’s a step toward embedding a circular economy culture within the public sector. Lagos generates approximately 13,000 metric tons of waste daily, yet only 40% is properly managed. By engaging our workforce of over 5,000 staff members, we are leveraging their influence to drive behavioral change, fostering sustainability both in the workplace and at home,” she stated.

Mr Olabode Agoro, the Head of Service, in his keynote speech, expressed appreciation for the initiative and underscored its transformative impact on the civil service. “This initiative is not only a demonstration of sustainability in action but also a testament to the Lagos State Government’s commitment to resource efficiency. By adopting circular economy principles, we are fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation that will benefit both the environment and our workforce. I encourage all civil servants to actively participate in this movement,” he stated.

Mr Mosopefolu George, Honorable Commissioner for the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, in his goodwill speech, echoed these sentiments and highlighted the economic and environmental significance of the initiative. “The circular economy is not just an environmental necessity; it is an economic opportunity and a call to action. Under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State continues to champion policies that integrate sustainability into governance and economic planning. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to building a resilient and resource-efficient Lagos,” he noted.

The key features of the Collection Hub include:

– Collection and Sorting Units: Dedicated sections for plastic, paper, metal, and textile waste.

– Reward Exchange Area: A space where contributors receive incentives for their recyclable materials.

– Processing Zone: A preliminary treatment area for collected materials.

– Training and Awareness Center: A hub for educational workshops on waste management and circular economy practices.

On its launch day, the hub recorded 167.6 kg of waste collected, showcasing the immediate environmental and economic benefits of the initiative. The Lagos State Government plans to expand this model across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), making sustainability an integral part of government operations.

“This initiative is not just a project; it is a commitment by the Lagos State Government to lead by example in the fight against waste pollution. By institutionalizing circular economy practices within the public sector, we are demonstrating that sustainability starts with us,” Oshodi added.

In conclusion, Charity Begins at Home 2.0 extends beyond this initiative, it is hinged on several other Eco-Circulate programs where the office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE) has diverted millions of kilograms of waste and created over 1000 job opportunities for Lagosians.

For more information, visit [https://occelagos.org/] or contact [info@occelagos.org].