…Govt to build waste-to-energy plants at Olusosun, Epe and Badagry
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At the “Driving Environmental Sustainability” Waste to Energy Summit, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, announced ambitious plans to revolutionize the state’s waste management system. The initiative aims to transform waste into energy, significantly enhancing environmental sustainability in Lagos.
Rack Centre, in collaboration with the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS), hosted an impactful event at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja. This gathering drew together prominent stakeholders to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to addressing waste management issues.
During his keynote address, Wahab, represented by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), underscored the critical importance of effective dumpsite management. He highlighted that proper waste disposal practices are essential to reducing environmental hazards and ensuring a cleaner, safer environment for all.
“When Olusosun was established, it was actually on the outskirts, but development caught up with it. There’s a lot of pressure on solid waste management, which is why we are working on reducing the amount of waste dumped on the Olusosun landfill through recycling initiatives,” he explained.
He detailed LAWMA’s ambitious strategy to revolutionize waste management across the state, emphasizing a strong focus on recycling. The plan includes several innovative initiatives, such as the creation of compost and biogas plants, aimed at significantly reducing the amount of waste ending up in landfills.
“We are working on developing composting and biogas plants on the site. The future state is that we are going to decommission the Olusosun landfill; we are already in the process. Decommissioning the dumpsite is necessary to address long-term environmental and health impacts. In doing this, we are going to comply with international best practices”, he stressed.
Dr. Gbadegesin unveiled ambitious plans to revolutionize the state’s waste management by establishing waste-to-energy plants. These innovative facilities will not only tackle waste disposal issues but also convert trash into valuable energy, providing a sustainable solution for both environmental and energy needs.
“Waste-to-energy plants will be established at the Epe dumpsite. The plan is to have three waste-to-energy plants in the state at Badagry, Epe, and Olusosun. We are exploring other alternatives to be used as landfills since we are working on shutting down the Olusosun landfill.”
Dolapo Olaoluwa, both convener and corps member, envisioned a summit gathering key stakeholders to tackle challenges from Olusosun dumpsite and other waste issues, aiming to make a meaningful community impact during his service.
Adetayo Odusole, the visionary Head of Sustainability Coordination at Rack Centre, eagerly embraced the opportunity to sponsor the event. He emphasized Rack Centre’s dedication to fostering sustainability, aligning seamlessly with their mission to cultivate a greener future. For Odusole, achieving environmental sustainability is a collaborative endeavor, and he expressed delight in contributing to such a noble cause.
Amidst the grandeur of the summit, a constellation of luminaries graced the stage: Ezekiel Egboye, the visionary force behind Rack Centre; Jide Onakoya, orchestrating innovation at Elektron; Professor Emmanuel O. Ogolo, whose scholarly spirit loomed large, even in representation; Dr. Victor Abimbola Onifade, a beacon of wisdom in Urban and Regional Planning; Olaide Ayodele-Taiwo, channeling expertise as Assistant Chief Scientific Officer at NESREA; and Yetunde Baderinwa, embodying leadership as NYSC State Coordinator for Lagos State. Together, they painted a tableau of expertise and inspiration, illuminating the summit with their collective wisdom and vision for the future.
To cap it all, at the event’s pinnacle, a vibrant panel convened, blending stakeholders and experts in a spirited dialogue on sustainable solutions for managing the state’s waste challenges.
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Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)
Director, Public Affairs
18/07/2024
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