The second edition of the University of Lagos Environmental Sustainability Challenge has continued to gain momentum as the First Volunteer Orientation and Incentive Presentation Programme was held at the UNILAG Green Hub on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
The event served as a platform for the new set of volunteers and members of the university community to get information on the University’s Track, Collect, and Recycle initiative. Similarly, key participants/supporters of the Sustainability Challenge such as Ms. Adelakun Sumayyah (a UNILAG student), Iya Moriam Food Canteen, as well as Amina, Fagunwa and Makama Halls of Residence got various prizes as incentives and encouragement.
Speaking at the forum, the Project Lead of UNILAG Green Hub, Dr. Adelopo Abdulganiyu stated that the first set of volunteers would be exposed to circular economic models as a way of imbibing sustainability practice within the University environment. He explained that the sustainability challenge was introduced to ensure a cleaner society and the role of the volunteers was important in driving the initiative.
Similarly, the Acting Director of Works and Physical Planning Department, UNILAG, Architect Olaide Oladokun urged all members of the University Community to be conscious of the environment. He called for all hands to be on deck in sustaining the environment.
The Guest Speaker at the event who delivered her presentation virtually, Engr. Folasade Nubi underscored the importance of minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.
While condemning the attitude of Nigerians as regards waste disposal, the environmental expert stressed the need for a culture that promotes and sustains a waste-free environment.
Her words, “Waste reduction is another critical component of campus sustainability. Institutions can implement recycling programs, and single-use plastic reduction strategies to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills.”
The University of Lagos Environmental Sustainability Challenge is a campus drive to track, collect, and recycle plastic bottles, in a bid to increase community participation in sustainable waste management practices in the University.
Under the UNILAG Sustainability Challenge 2.0, participants can earn the following incentives based on the number of plastic bottles they collect:
• 40 Plastic Bottles: A Bottle of Drink
• 500 Plastic Bottles: A Pack of Water or Meal Ticket
• 1000 Plastic Bottles: A Pack of Soft Drink
Photographs: Micheal Ogooluwa Joshua
