The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), continues to deepen its community-based climate engagement with the successful rollout of the Eco-Circulate Ayobo Initiative – a bold step in promoting sustainable living, waste-to-value conversion, and grassroots climate education.
Eco-Circulate is a flagship community outreach programme designed to inform, engage, and activate residents, particularly nano and micro-businesses, to participate actively in the circular economy. It leverages entertainment, education
and incentives to reward climate-friendly choices and introduce circular practices as a socially impactful subsidy model.
Following previous engagements in communities like Badagry, Ajah, and Trade Fair, the Ayobo edition stood out due to a unique partnership with New Dawn Redeemed Church during their Women’s Programme. The collaboration was facilitated at the instance of Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, the Permanent Secretary, MEPB, who also serves as an Assistant Pastor within the Church’s province.
Recognising the alignment between the church’s community-focused outreach and the objectives of the Eco-Circulate programme, she advocated for the initiative to be embedded within the church event, not only to empower the congregation but also to extend its impact to the wider Ayobo community.
The event recorded impressive participation as community members turned in recyclable materials, which were weighed and recorded. The total haul included 207.94 kg of plastics, 326.15 kg of cartons, 871.02 kg of textiles, 119.04 kg of metals and cans, 32.68 kg of paper, and 80.91 kg of High-Density Polyethene (HDPE) – a versatile and highly recyclable plastic used in everyday packaging like detergent bottles and jerry cans.
In keeping with the Eco-Circulate model, participants received household essentials, foodstuffs, cash, and gas vouchers in exchange for their recyclables – demonstrating how sustainable practices can be both impactful and rewarding. This incentive-based approach not only supports Lagos State’s environmental goals but also helps residents meet daily needs.
To further engage the community, the programme featured a Junk Yard Sale, where residents shared or sold gently used items – clothing, kitchenware, footwear, and more – at reduced prices or free of charge.
This activity encouraged reuse, reduced waste, and fostered a sense of communal responsibility and support.
The Eco-Circulate Ayobo Initiative successfully blended environmental awareness, economic empowerment, and social cohesion, reinforcing Lagos State’s commitment to inclusive, locally-driven climate action. It also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing sustainability. The role of Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, the Permanent Secretary, MEPB, in bridging government efforts with faith-based community programmes reflects the power of leadership in catalysing positive change.
As the Eco-Circulate programme continues to scale across Lagos, the outcomes in Ayobo provide a replicable model of how climate action can be localised and incentivised, turning waste into wealth and communities into champions of the circular economy.
