Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) will on July 25 unveil the WEEPOO Pee-to-Power Project and stage a 10-kilometre WEEPOO Walk Against Open Defecation as part of efforts to promote sustainable sanitation, improve public health and encourage environmental innovation in Lagos State.

The project, which will be launched at its Ojota facility, introduces an innovative sanitation model that integrates clean public toilet infrastructure with biodigester technology to convert human waste into biogas and organic fertiliser.

Beyond providing sanitation facilities, the initiative aims to drive behavioural change by encouraging the use of public toilets while showcasing locally developed solutions to Nigeria’s sanitation challenges.

The awareness walk is expected to attract government officials, development partners, environmental advocates, community leaders, students, corporate organisations and residents to amplify the campaign against open defecation and promote cleaner, healthier and more sustainable communities.

In a statement, Team Lead of WEEPOO Lagos, Dr. Bayo Oke described the initiative as a practical demonstration of how innovative sanitation solutions can improve public health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability.

According to him, the project redefines sanitation beyond waste disposal by transforming human waste into valuable resources such as renewable energy and organic fertiliser.

He said: “For too long, there has been a misconception that innovations in sustainability must come from elsewhere. The WEEPOO Pee-to-Power Project proves that African ingenuity can create practical solutions for African communities. By converting waste into clean energy while providing safe sanitation facilities, we are addressing public health, environmental protection and climate action simultaneously.”

The organisers said the accompanying 10KM WEEPOO Walk Against Open Defecation is designed to educate the public on the health and environmental dangers of open defecation, encourage the use of hygienic public toilets and inspire citizens to become advocates for improved sanitation.

They stressed that while infrastructure remains critical, achieving lasting sanitation reforms requires sustained public education, community participation and behavioural change.

According to the organisers, ending open defecation goes beyond constructing toilets, noting that it also involves improving access to sanitation facilities and encouraging citizens to take ownership of their environment.

They added that the Ojota Pee-to-Power Project demonstrates how modern sanitation infrastructure can improve hygiene, protect water resources, reduce methane emissions and generate renewable energy from human waste.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s sanitation agenda and global Sustainable Development Goals by promoting innovative waste management, environmental protection, public health and climate action.

Residents, corporate organisations, civil society groups, educational institutions, healthcare professionals and environmental advocates have been encouraged to participate in the awareness walk and support the campaign to eliminate open defecation.

Registration for the 10KM WEEPOO Walk Against Open Defecation and volunteer applications are currently open through the project’s official platforms.