Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, has tasked businesses and stakeholders on creating a Lagos where economic growth is synonymous with environmental preservation and social inclusion.
 
In a statement, yesterday, after speaking at the inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) capacity development workshop for businesses operating in the circular economy value chain by the Office of the Special Adviser on Circular Economy and Climate Change (OCCE), Lagos State, the commissioner represented, by the Special Adviser Budget, Lekan Balogun, implored stakeholders and business leaders to envision and work towards a Lagos that inspires the world and leads the charge for a sustainable future
   
George said the challenges the world faces today—climate change, environmental degradation, economic inequality— demand action, not tomorrow, but today from all stakeholders.
 
He added that as the bustling heartbeat of Nigeria and Africa, Lagos State has chosen to lead the charge. “As the engine room of commerce, culture, and innovation, Lagos bears both the responsibility and the opportunity to set a global example in pioneering sustainability-driven economic growth. The circular economy is no longer a concept on the horizon—it is the foundation of a future where waste is eliminated, resources are optimized, and prosperity is shared.”

“With this vision in mind, the establishment of the Economy Business Network in May 2024 has already yielded remarkable results. Supporting over 500 eco-enterprises, the EBN has demonstrated that a sustainable, green business model is not just possible; it is profitable and transformative.”
 
In her opening remarks, the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs Titilayo Oshodi, stated: “It is not just about holding a workshop but pioneering at the forefront of a movement aimed at redefining economic frameworks through the principles of circular and green economies. 
   
“This forum is not just an event on our calendars but a critical step toward a future that embraces Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as foundational to our collective progress. Today, we set the tone for an enriching dialogue that emphasises accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Our mission is clear: to align our economic strategies with practices that enhance our communities, protect our natural environment, and foster economic growth that leaves no one behind.”