By NewsDesk
In a bid to find sustainable solutions to global environmental issues such as air pollution, climate change, and water contamination, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has spotlighted the potential of biogas technology during its inaugural “Lunch and Learn” lecture series held at its headquarters in Ijora-Olopa.
Themed “Catalyzing Innovation through Collaboration: Unleashing the Power of the Triple Helix of Government, Industry and Academia”, the event brought together leading minds from government, academia, and the private sector.
Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, in his welcome address, described the initiative as an “informal but intellectually stimulating platform” aimed at sparking dialogue and fostering innovation.
“This is an informal session, which is why it is called the Lunch and Learn Series,” Gbadegesin said. “We are replicating a model that has worked well in academic environments to enhance both academic and personal development. LAWMA is more than logistics – we are a scientific organization, and research must drive our solutions.”
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mats Eklund, renowned sustainability expert and scientific leader of the Biogas Research Center at Linköping University, Sweden. He highlighted the power of biogas in solving pressing environmental issues, drawing from global research and practical applications.
“People need to see waste differently, not as dirt or hazards, but as opportunities,” Prof. Eklund said. “Over time, people’s perceptions can change, and they will begin to see the immense potential in waste.”
Representing the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Permanent Secretary Mr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji praised Prof. Eklund’s insights reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to promoting collaborations that drive innovation in waste management.
“Bringing together government, industry, and academia is key to advancing knowledge sharing and developing impactful environmental solutions,” Gaji said.
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Also speaking at the event, LAWMA’s Executive Director of Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, emphasized the agency’s focus on leveraging innovation. “We intend to keep pace with global trends by tapping into the numerous opportunities in waste management, especially through biogas research,” he noted.
Attendees included lawmakers, academics, industry leaders, and top officials such as Engineer Adebola Sabi, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment Parastatal; Mr Adedoyin Lasisi of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources; Akin Alabi, Managing Director of Zoomlion Nigeria; and scholars from the University of Lagos.