The Lagos State Government says it will ensure that the state remains innovative, thereby, creating investment opportunities.
Mr Omobolaji Gaji, the Permanent Secretary,Office Of Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, said this during a news conference on the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot 2023 (LCEH2023) on Thursday in Ikeja.
Gaji said that in order to accerate innovative economy, the state government planned to hold the LCEH2023.
He said the two-day event would hold between July 26 and July 27 at Victoria Island, Lagos, with about 400 physical participants, while 1,000 were to participate online.
The theme of the hotspot is: ”Towards Circular and Resourceful Economy: The Future Lagos.”
Gaji said the Circular Economy Hotspot was an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which serve as a platform to foster co-creation and highlight cities and societies transition towards circular economy.
According to him, circular economy is pivotal to accelerate the drive toward the much-anticipated Greater Lagos.
”Circular economy, from Resource Efficiency point of view will open up Lagos State to genuine investment opportunities, as a systematic approach builds sustainable and resilient mega city and economy while constantly addressing pressing environmental and social challenges,” he said.
The permanent secretary said institutionalising circular economy would enable Lagos State to promote policies and initiatives that prioritise renewable energy sources.
He said circular economy would ensure a cleaner Lagos, through waste reduction and recycling, support waste-to-energy projects, and incentivise businesses.
Gaji described the Circular Economy Hotspot as a gathering of global experts, business delegates, political actors, academics, development practitioners and public sector actors.
He said it would grant them the opportunity to showcase business models, strategies, and novel approaches from existing and successful solutions and emerging CE innovations.
He said that the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot would avail the state the opportunity to highlight how it was transitioning toward the circular economy and how businesses and citizens were co-creating innovation.
”We desire that the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot will highlight the critical role the SMEs play in driving innovation, fostering sustainable solutions, and driving entrepreneurship,” Gaji said.
