(L-R) Cross section of participants with Obaloluwa Dairo, Venture and Policy Development Lead, Circular Economy Innovation Partnership; Chineme Egbo, Associate, LBS Sustainability Centre; Boyle-Komolafe Victor, CEO, GIVO Africa; Oreva Atanya, Director, LBS Sustainability Centre (middle); Eze Chukwudi, Head of Business Development, Quadloop; Osanua Nwagbara, Senior Associate, LBS Sustainability Centre
The 2024 edition of the Leadership Programme for Sustainable Waste Management (LPSWM) held from June 25, 2024 to September 14, 2024. The programme has since inception in 2019 reached over three hundred young managers and entrepreneurs and is delivered by the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, supported by the Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation and partners from the public, development and private sector in Nigeria. This transformative programme equipped young leaders with the tools, skills, and knowledge to tackle Nigeria’s pressing waste management challenges in innovative and sustainable ways. Over the course of the three-months certificate programme, participants were immersed in comprehensive training on modern methods of sustainable waste collection, removal, processing, recycling, and disposal. Through expert-led sessions and practical exercises, participants gained technical expertise to address waste management issues at the grassroots level, while also developing the leadership capacity to drive long-term solutions in their communities.
Over several weeks of rigorous learning, the programme delved deep into the key areas that form the bedrock of effective sustainability leadership. Participants engaged with experts from across the globe, absorbing knowledge on a wide range of topics from the principles of the circular economy to the intricacies of financial and human resource management in sustainable businesses. They were also guided through the complexities of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into business strategies, learning to design organisations that not only thrive economically but also contribute positively to the environment and society.
One of the highlights of the programme was an eye-opening case study of Wecyclers, an innovative Nigerian waste management company. The participants gained firsthand insight into the operational and financial hurdles of running a waste management business in a developing economy, as well as the innovative solutions Wecyclers has implemented to overcome them. Through this case study, participants learned how businesses can leverage creativity, partnerships, and technology to scale sustainability efforts in resource-constrained environments.
The programme also provided participants with practical tools to engage with key stakeholders effectively. This included strategies for developing strong relationships with investors, government agencies, and communities, all of which are crucial in driving sustainability initiatives. In addition, participants were exposed to critical topics such as the role of legal frameworks in business operations and the importance of robust policy development to support sustainability efforts. Armed with this knowledge, they are now equipped to ensure that their businesses are not only compliant with existing laws but also contribute to the formulation of policies that will further promote sustainable practices across industries.
Oreva Atanya, Director, LBS Sustainability Centre, said, “One of the most valuable aspects of the programme is the community of leaders it has helped build. Participants have formed connections that will extend far beyond the duration of the programme. By collaborating and sharing experiences, they now make up a powerful network of change agents who can work together to drive Nigeria’s sustainable waste management sector—and by extension, the broader sustainability movement—forward.” She added, “ The program has provided a unique platform for these leaders to exchange ideas, explore new partnerships, and jointly develop solutions to some of Nigeria’s most pressing environmental challenges. Their passion and commitment to sustainable practices will lay the foundation for a more resilient, resource-efficient future for all.”
As participants embark on their respective journeys to implement what they have learned, we are assured the skills gained and the mindsets shifted will contribute to creating businesses that are more sustainable, resilient, and socially responsible. The LBS Sustainability Centre looks forward to seeing participants and alumni of this programme drive positive change not just within their organisations but also contribute to national efforts to reduce waste, promote environmental conservation, and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Lagos Business School is Africa’s leading management education institution and the LBS Sustainability Centre is a leading knowledge centre that brings together the theory and practice on business and sustainability for the advancement of performance and development outcomes. For more information about the initiatives and upcoming events of the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, please contact sustainabilitycentre@lbs.edu.ng. Together we can work towards a sustainable future for businesses on the continent. For more information on our forums, visit: https://lbssustainabilitycentre.edu.ng/forum/
Click here to view the communique of the programme.
