The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has explored the
potential of biogas solutions to global environmental challenges like air
pollution, climate change and water contamination among others.
The event was a lunch and learn lecture with theme: “Catalyzing
Innovation through Collaboration: Unleashing the Power of the Triple Helix of
Government, Industry and Academia” held at its headquarters, Ijora-Olopa.
Delivering the welcome address, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the Lunch and Learn Series as an informal but intellectually stimulating platform designed to spark dialogue, encourage research, and enhance capacity within the agency.
He said, “This is an informal session, which is why it is called
the Lunch and Learn Series. Programmes like this are a tradition in academic
environments where they have been proven to contribute to academic and personal
development significantly. We are replicating that model here at LAWMA because
what we do is not just based on logistics; LAWMA is a scientific organization
with scientific officers and we recognize the importance of academia in
addressing waste management challenges. Therefore, we must prioritize research
and continuous learning to develop strategic solutions tailored to our region's
specific needs. Initiatives like this are the way forward,”
In a keynote presentation, Prof. Mats Eklund, a globally
recognized expert in sustainability and innovation, and scientific leader of
the Biogas Research Center at Linköping University, Sweden, shared his insights
on the potential of biogas solutions to address global challenges such as air
pollution, climate change, water contamination, and soil health.
He illustrated how several environmental challenges could be
addressed through several research works that had proved effective in many
areas.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr.
Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, expressed gratitude to Prof. Eklund for his valuable
contribution to advancing innovation in waste management, stressing the
ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration between government, industry,
and academia to enhance knowledge sharing and impactful solutions.
Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of Finance, shared LAWMA's
intention to leverage technological innovations to stay competitive with other
developing countries, underscoring the many opportunities in waste management,
with biogas research serving as a prime example.
An engaging question-and-answer session followed, where Prof.
Eklund further elaborated on the importance of cross-sector collaboration to
drive sustainable waste management solutions. He said: “People need to see
waste differently, not as dirt or hazards, but as opportunities. Over time,
people’s perceptions can change, and they will begin to see the immense
potential in waste.”
The event was attended by many stakeholders, including Engineer
Adebola Sabi, chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment
Parastatal; Mr. Adedoyin Lasisi, Director and Deputy Director of the Lagos
State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources; Akin Alabi, Managing
Director of Zoomlion Nigeria; Abubakar Habeebah; top lecturers from the
University of Lagos, researchers, and LAWMA management staff.
This "Lunch & Learn" Series marks LAWMA's
commitment to environmental sustainability and leadership in operational
excellence. It is the first in a series of knowledge-sharing initiatives
designed to foster innovation and build strategic partnerships in the waste
management sector.
Folashade Kadiri (Mrs)
Director Public Affairs
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