Lagos, November, 12, 2024.

In a significant stride toward a sustainable and prosperous Lagos, the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE) has launched ECONexus, a pioneering platform designed to catalyze cross-sector collaboration and build a resilient, circular economy in Lagos.

Held at the Four Points Hotel recently, this inaugural event brought together government officials, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders to unify their efforts in addressing Lagos’s pressing environmental challenges.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, introduced ECONexus as a vital extension of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES++ agenda, which emphasizes sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.

“The circular economy is central to our mandate at OCCE,” said Oshodi. “Through ECONexus, we’re not only redefining waste as a resource but also charting a path for sustainable economic growth that reduces dependency on limited natural resources.”

The keynote speaker, Mr Mosopefolu George, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, highlighted the economic potential of Lagos’s green initiatives, with ECONexus at the forefront. He noted that emerging opportunities like carbon markets, where companies could not only reduce their carbon footprint but generate revenue by trading carbon credits, are some of the reasons ECONexus is apt for this time.

He furthered that this model presents a collaboratively sustainable way to increase the quantum of eco-friendly projects aligned with Lagos’s environmental and economic goals.

“This initiative demonstrates another way Lagos will use innovative engagements to reduce waste, generate value, and uplift communities through inclusive green programs.

During her presentation, Mrs Oshodi noted that the ECONomy Business Network program is incubating over 400 green entrepreneurs across Lagos to stimulate knowledge exchange, create access to finance, and boost their capacity to contribute to Lagos’s circular economy. She added that the network will soon be formalized as a cooperative, enabling members to access resources supporting their growth and resilience and ensuring that Lagos’s green revolution is inclusive and impactful.

She, therefore, encouraged stakeholders to explore partnerships within ECONexus, urging them to actively participate in Lagos’s journey toward sustainable development. By fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach, Lagos State’s OCCE sets the foundation for an ecosystem that aligns the circular economy with local realities, establishing Lagos as a leader in climate action and green innovation.

“The ECONexus platform marks a significant milestone in Lagos’s commitment to a sustainable future, positioning the city to lead by example in the fight against climate change while ensuring economic resilience”, she added.