Osunkeye canvasses public-private partnership in sustainable development

A chartered Accountant and the former managing director of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye has said that for the country to have a sustainable development, inter-agency resources and Public-Private Partnership is very critical.

He noted that the challenge for elected officers come May 29 is certainly astronomical, with limited capacity to achieve the most urgent developmental requirements.

Osunkeye expressed the view yesterday in his remarks as the chairman ‎in this year’s Kuramo Conference series organised in partnership with Resource Innovation and Solutions Network Nigeria (RISNN) titled: “Earth Day Colloquium 2015; Solutions for a sustainable future”.

According to him, the population of Lagos is expected to exceed 20 million inhabitants and the Nigerian urban population would exceed it’s 2013 estimates of 50 percent. He said over 1600 of those new urban dwellers would call Lagos home on a daily basis.
His words: “As is the case with all rapidly urbanising cities, there is usually a price to pay. Exponential increases in demand on social services that include recycling systems, waste water treatment, sanitation and solid waste management and I might add congestion and gross unemployment, puts pressure on already stressed resources.

“For us all, and especially for businesses, this poses major risks. These already converging issues can inhibit economic growth as they damage the enabling environment causing a slow-down in investments, and elevating public health risks. The business case for a stronger attention to the social and environmental consequences of business activities has never been stronger.

“Certainly the private sector can assume a leadership role in responding to the sustainability challenges facing the city of Lagos and Nigeria. Business can bring capacity, resources and reach into mitigating these exponentially rising risks to the business and investment environment. Above all, it is without a doubt that businesses are the economic system’s most visible champions and beneficiaries.”

Other resource persons, local and international presented papers bordering on sustainability.

Personalities in the event includes one of the organisers of conferences and former attorney general of Lagos state, Supo Shasore SAN, Babatunde Ajibade SAN, ‎Director, RISNN, Dr. Olufemi Olarewaju, Chemist and Toxicologist, advicer communication and education, Scholz Holding GmbH Germany, Dr. Beate Kummer, the managing director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ola Oresanya and the delegation of German Industry and commerce in Nigeria, Ms. Baerbel Freyer among others.