.. As experts echo the importance of circular economy in Lagos State
The New Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, NIEE, Lagos state Chapter, Engr Yusuf Majolagbe has posited that the Institution, by right, should be the Strongest and the most relevant Division under the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He, therefore, vows to ensure that the it takes its pride of place and leads from the front, Isqil Najim Reports.
Majolagbe made this position while giving his inaugural speech at his Investiture Ceremony as the 5th Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Institution. The event which held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on February 1st 2023, was well attended and featured two speakers and other dignitaries who passionately spoke on the theme “Circular Economy for Lagos State.”
Majolagbe in his address, said that the practices of engineering by nature impacts and influences the environment one way or the other. He noted that members of the Institution work in various sectors of the economy from waste disposal, recycling wastewater, air pollution control animal husbandry, industries, oil and gas and many other areas that affect the sustainability of the environment.
Majolagbe further highlighed the importance of Environmental engineers by saying that: “Our society must realise that physical/regional planning and land use matter, chemical processes, electricity generation, transmission and distribution, mechanical vehicular discharges, and everything around us directly or indirectly impact our environment,”
On the theme of the Event, Majolagbe said that the theme was chosen because of the crucial need to create a distinct circular economy, especially in a megacity such as Lagos State.
He added that NIEE will play a crucial role in assisting the state attain this goal through collaborations with relevant government agencies and the private sector ”to develop smart policies, guidelines, and laws that key into the sustainable Development Goals, SDGs to achieve a Lagos State that will guarantee prosperity for today and future generation.’
He said the chapter under his tenure, will work to raise awareness among communities on the importance of a sustainable environment and also assist the State to attain a circular economy. He added that the Chapter will work together with the State Government, to enable all inputs of the environmental sector added alongside.
In his address, he said his administration will focus on developing the capacity and capability of members toward equipping them with the skills and techniques needed to excel in their career and compete among their global counterparts in the industry.
A chemical engineer, Majolagbe appreciated his predecessor, Engr. Mrs Abiola Kosegbe for her unwavering supports and efforts in making the chapter stronger and better. He pledged to build on her successes and make the institution better than he met it.
Earlier in her address, the outgoing Chairman of the Chapter, Engr Mrs Abiola Kosegbe, said that the Chapter has achieved significant progress despite the many challenges it faced. She outlined some of her achievements which include increased collaborations with the Lagos State Government and active participation in States policy formulation that affect the environment. She also mentioned the welfare and professional development of members. She thanked members for their unflinching supports. Kosegbe called for similar support for the incoming leadership which she said has strong dedication and motivation to succeed.
Also speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the NIEE, Engr. Sesan Moses Odukoya congratulated the new chairman. He encouraged the Chairman and his team to work on the membership strength by bringing more engineers from Epe, Ikorodu, Victoria Island, and Ikeja community to the fold. He said the population of the running into millions has made this expedient with respect to environmental implications.
Tpl. Daisi Oso, General Manager, Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA), represented the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters – Dr. Jide Babatunde, in his keynote address, spoke extensively on the many benefits of “Spatial Technologies in Development Planning for a Circular Economy in Lagos.”
He said that Lagos, being the largest city in Nigeria and one of the fastest growing in Africa, is facing a number of environmental challenges, including waste management and inefficient use of resources. He called on stakeholders to join in efforts address the situation and take action to find new, sustainable ways to manage our resources. He stressed that the circular economy provides a solution to these challenges by promoting a more sustainable use of resources and waste reduction.
The Guest Speaker, Mr Ademola Ogunbanjo spoke on the global importance of the Circular Economy. He said that everyone must start sorting from local source in Nigeria to discourage wastage. He said that if there are so many communities lacking electricity systems, the engineers need to demonstrate their potential by developing small scale and affordable solutions that reduce challenges.
He added that some sort of demands (for engineering solutions) grow every day. He recalled that last year, Nigeria reportedly lost 6.6 billion dollars to flooding and wr still have not deployed lasting solutions. He suggested there is need to start with change in mindsets.
Also speaking at the event, HRM Oba Dr Adeyanju Akanni Wasiu Ogungbayi the Onitetiku and Olu of Owode Ota Kingdom and the Director General of His Royal Majesty Heritage Forum, tasked the Environmental engineers to step up their contributions toward addressing environmental challenges facing our communities. He urged the new leadership to look at partnership with others stakeholders while also investing in members’ capacity development.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance are HRM Oba Dr Adeyanju Akanni Wasiu Ogungbayi the Onitetiku and Olu of Owode Ota Kingdom and the Director General of His Royal Majesty Heritage Forum, Hon. Kamal Bayewu, Engr. Gbolahan Yusuf, Engr. Adeola Matanmi and TPL Osho Daisi, Immediate Past National chairman of NIEE, Engr Olalekan Ajani, Former National Chairman of NIEE, Engr M. Yinusa, Chairman Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Kamal Bayewu, Chief Olatayo Yusuf, APC Chieftain, Engr. Ademola Matanmi, General Manager Lagos State Wastewater Management Office , Engr O. E. S Ajani, Immediate past national Chairman of NIEE, Engr Dr Uche Obiajulu, Immediate Past Chairman of NIMechE Lagos Chapter, LOPEK Engineering Construction Limited and family members and well wishers from both public and private sector.
Award
The Institution also honoured personalities and firms who are passionately committed to the promotion of achieving a sustainable environment, and supporting the Chapter in its efforts. Some of the awardees are Dr Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser to Governor of Lagos State on GIS and Planning matters, Mr Ademola Ogunbanjo, Executive Vice President, Oando CLEAN Energy Limited, Engr Sesan Moses Odukoya, National Chairman of NIEE, Engr Nurudeen Olalekan Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr Mrs Abiola Kosegbe, Permanent Secretary Lagos State Local Government Services Commissions, Engr. Ademola Matanmi, General Manager Lagos State Wastewater Management Office , Engr O. E. S Ajani, Immediate past national Chairman of NIEE, LOPEK Engineering Construction Limited and and VISIBLE Construction Limited.
Other members of the state Executive committee was also inaugurated by the Chairman, Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe. They are Vice Chairman – Engr. Mrs Helen Lanke Taiwo, Secretary – Engr. Ibrahim Mumeen, Treasurer – Engr. Anise Olaniyi, financial Secretary – Engr Abidemi Yusouff, Technical Secretary – Engr Oladele Fadipe, Assistant Technical Secretary – Engr. Osilamah Osuma, Publicity Secretary – Engr Omoefe Kudehinbu, Membership Secretary – Engr. Seyi Adebayo. Assistant General Secretary – Engr. Ridwan Ifayemi, Ex Officio I – Engr. Mrs Abiola Kosegbe, Ex Officio II – Engr. Dr. Muritala Ibrahim and Ex Officio III – Engr. Olawale Akinsanya.
Majolagbe, a Wastewater Management expert, is an MSc holder in Oil and Gas from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He has over 13 years of experience in the environment management, especially in the area of Wastewater Management. He had his early career at the International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC)/Chevron where he helped the multinational energy organisation significantly increase its total daily oil production in Nigeria.
Meet the New Chairman NIEE Lagos Chapter, Engr. Yusuf Oladimeji Majolagbe, PMP, MNSE, FNIEE
Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe (second from right) with wife (right); Engr. Mrs. Abiola Kosegbe (second from left); and Engr. Sesan Odukoya, the National Chairman of the NIEE