In celebration of the 1st Year Anniversary of its operations and of the Environmental Sustainability Challenge advocacy campaign, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Green Hub, in collaboration with the Works and Physical Planning Unit, and the Students Affairs Division, held a “Recycling Bazaar” at the Indoor Sports Hall of the University of Lagos Sports Centre on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Tagged “UNILAG Sustainability RACE: Showcasing Our Efforts and Commitment to Do More”, the programme showcased the achievements of the UNILAG Green Hub since it commenced operations a year ago.
It began with an Environmental Celebrity Walk, formally flagged-off at the Senate Building by the Vice-Chancellor and Honorable Minister of State for the Environment. Participants thereafter proceeded to the Indoor Sports Hall of the Sports Centre, where other programmes of the event took place, the highlight of which was the Recycling Bazar.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor at the event was the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Matthew Ilori. He expressed concerns about the worrisome state of the environment due to the prevalence of trash and used plastics everywhere, a situation he described as “a man-made problem for which society is responsible.”
Professor Ilori emphasised that effectiveness in the environmental sustainability race requires continuous advocacy.
“Such campaigns must be done relentlessly and consistently to address the compliance of Nigerians to environmental sustainability ideals.”, he said.
He averred that proactive measures and strategic advocacy would win the race towards environmental sustainability with a methodology that mobilises individual and collective efforts.
Also in attendance was Dr. Olisa Hadijat Bukola, representative of the General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi. She submitted that the LASEPA has been the vanguard of environmental sustainability in Lagos State, attributing its success to collaborations with tertiary institutions. Dr. Olisa also disclosed that the agency has been vocal about recycling advocacy. According to her, “this has reduced environmental waste, created job opportunities and kept the environment more garbage-free than before.”
In his address, the Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, ably represented by Mrs Akinyemi Olusola, stated that the government is working on environmental sustainability goals through partnership-driven mechanisms in order to ensure environmental compliance with sustainability goals.
Dr. Abdulganiyu Adelopo of University of Lagos Green Hub acknowledged the creativity, support and contributions of pupils, students, staff and food vendors in the University of Lagos to environmental sustainability on campus. He tagged them “Partners in Progress”.
The External Communication Manager, of Nigeria Bottling Company Limited, Mr. Samuel Iboroma stated that the company was willing to champion a partnership drive towards a sustainable environment. He applauded the University of Lagos for its exceptional environmental sustainability advocacy, noting that it would yield positive results.
Other attendees included the Dean of Student Affairs Division, Professor Musa Obalola and Chairman of the Lekki State Urban Forest and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI), Desmond Olumuyiwa Majekodunmi.
Colourful dance presentations and short plays from pupils of the University of Lagos Staff School and University of Lagos Women Society (ULWS), respectively, added a sweet flavour to the event.
The Coordinator, Building and Facilities Maintenance Division at the Works and Physical Planning Unit, Engineer Olaniyi Ayeye, delivered the Vote of Thanks. He assured attendees of UNILAG’s commitment to a sustainable environment.
