Lagos, January 6^th, 2025.

As part of its commitment to ensure committed to embedding sustainability is planned into every opportunity, the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE), has partnered with the Ministry to activate its Eco-Circulate Initiative during the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta. Through this collaboration, the event combined cultural pride with environmental stewardship and present another framework in transforming the regatta into a platform for advocacy, education, and impactful action on waste valorisation. 

The Lagos Boat Regatta was not only a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition of Lagos, but also a powerful demonstration of how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into every facet of life. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture under Hon. Toke Benson-Awosika, this year’s regatta celebrated Lagos’s enduring bond with its waters while highlighting the urgent need to protect them for future generations. 

Key Impact Data: 

The initiative made an immediate and measurable impact: 

• Over 0.6 tons of waste were collected, including plastics, textiles, and other recyclable materials. 

• The initiative directly engaged and rewarded over 100 Lagosians, who participated in waste collection activities, with foodstuffs distributed proportional to the waste they brought in for recycling. 

Speaking on the impact of attaching the ECOCirculate to the Lagos Boat Regatta, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Climate Change and Circular Economy appreciated Hon. Toke Benson-Awosika, Commissioner for Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture for her inspiring leadership. She noted that the ministry of tourism is another demonstration that the zero-carnbon vision of Mr Government is possible.  

Oshodi furthered; “Our waters are a vital part of Lagos’s heritage and future,” said Governor Sanwo-Olu. “Through initiatives like Eco-Circulate, we are not only safeguarding these resources but also empowering our people to see sustainability as a pathway to shared prosperity.” 

The program began the day before the regatta with community sensitization efforts across various viewing centers. OCCE representatives educated residents on waste sorting and valorization, showcasing practical methods for turning waste into valuable resources. The awareness campaigns resonated with attendees, emphasizing that responsible waste management is a shared responsibility and an economic opportunity. 

On the regatta day, amidst the vibrant displays of culture and tradition, the waste valorization exercise took center stage. Participants eagerly brought their collected waste, receiving rewards while witnessing firsthand how recycling contributes to both environmental protection and community empowerment. 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside other dignitaries, graced the event, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.  

This innovative approach demonstrated that cultural celebrations could serve as powerful platforms for environmental advocacy and community engagement. The event inspired attendees to view waste not as a problem but as a valuable resource capable of driving economic growth and social change. 

The Lagos Boat Regatta exemplifies OCCE’s broader mission of promoting circular economy principles across Lagos. By embedding sustainability into cultural events and rewarding environmentally conscious behavior, OCCE is leading the charge in creating a cleaner, greener Lagos. 

Through partnerships with organizations like the Ministry of Tourism, OCCE continues to show that sustainability is not just a goal—it is a shared responsibility. The Lagos Boat Regatta stands as a model for integrating environmental consciousness into community life, proving that every opportunity, no matter how festive, can contribute to a healthier, more prosperous future for Lagos and its people. 

For more information on OCCE’s Eco-Circulate Initiative and other programs, visit occelagos.org.