Lagos, July 18, 2024. 

The Office of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE) reinforced its dedication to sustainability and innovative environmental solutions as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change & Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, delivered an impactful address at the unveiling of the Bottle Toilet Project in Ilasamaja Primary School on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

The Bottle Toilet Project, an initiative by the International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI) in collaboration with DHL Global Forwarding Nigeria, utilised over 15,000 recycled PET bottles to construct a six-unit public restroom. This innovative project is designed to combat open defecation while addressing plastic waste pollution.

In her keynote speech, Mrs. Oshodi applauded the project, highlighting the role of OCCE in supporting eco-friendly and circular economy initiatives. She emphasised the need for creative solutions to pressing environmental challenges. 

“In a world where environmental challenges are getting increasingly urgent, it is pivotal for us to think outside the box and find creative results that not only address these issues but also profit our communities. The Bottle Toilet Project does just that by utilising recycled PET bottles to produce a sustainable and eco-friendly sanitation result.”

Mrs. Oshodi further elaborated on the broader vision of circular economy, stating, “Imagine a world where every plastic bottle has an alternate life, where waste is converted into a precious resource, and where sanitation facilities are not only functional but also environmentally conscious. This is the vision of the Bottle Toilet Project to turn waste into opportunity, to promote circular economy, and to ameliorate the quality of life for all members of our community.”

The Special Adviser underscored how the project fits into the OCCE’s strategic efforts to promote sustainability in Lagos State. “By repurposing PET bottles into a toilet facility, we are not only reducing plastic waste but also providing much needed sanitation facilities for those in need. This design not only addresses the immediate challenges of waste management and sanitation but also contributes to a further sustainable future for generations to come.”

Mrs. Oshodi celebrated the collaboration between ICCDI, DHL, and the local community, emphasising the power of partnerships in driving meaningful environmental change. “The Bottle Toilet Project is a testament to the power of invention, collaboration, and community engagement. It showcases how simple ideas can have a profound impact and how small actions can lead to significant change. By working together, we can produce a more sustainable, flexible, and inclusive community for all.”

Olumide Idowu, Executive Director of ICCDI, praised the support received from the private sector, particularly DHL, in bringing the vision of the Bottle Toilet to life. “The goal is to address open defecation and plastic pollution while creating job opportunities for local women to maintain the facility,” Idowu said.

Maureen Adibuah, Managing Director of DHL Global Forwarding Nigeria, also lauded the project, stating, “This Bottle Toilet Project aligns with our commitment to reducing plastic waste and contributing positively to the environment. We’re thrilled with the results and look forward to replicating this across Nigeria.”

The Bottle Toilet facility will serve students of Ilasamaja Primary School, providing an essential service while championing sustainability. The OCCE’s endorsement of this initiative affirms its position as the leading authority on climate change, circular economy, and sustainability solutions in Lagos State. Mrs. Oshodi’s participation highlights the government’s continued efforts to address pressing environmental issues through strategic collaborations with both the public and private sectors.

The commissioning event saw attendance from representatives of LASEPA, LAWMA, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and local community leaders, all of whom echoed OCCE’s call for innovative solutions to Lagos’ environmental challenges.

By supporting groundbreaking projects like the Bottle Toilet, the OCCE demonstrates its resolve to create a more sustainable, eco-conscious future for Lagos, positioning itself as the go-to institution for sustainability leadership in Nigeria.