The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to remain the headquarters of the circular economy in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa through the creation of policy directions and enabling laws.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, gave the assurance when he received members of the Circular Business Platform from the Netherlands, who are on a Circular Economy Scoping Mission to the state tagged ‘Unlocking a Sustainable Future’ in Abeokuta recently.

According to him, Ogun State is not just talking circular; circular economy is a huge business and lifeline for millions. Hence, the state remains the headquarters of circular economy not only in Nigeria but in sub-Saharan Africa.

While stating that the state government has not only created policy directions and laws, he noted that the state ticked all the boxes when it comes to all environmental issues and social and economic models, adding that through deliberate intents, all the state government’s projects answered the questions of circularity and regenerating processes.

Oresanya, while welcoming the partnership with the Platform, said, “From the presentation by all stakeholders on the opportunities and the state’s giant stride in circular economy, it is clear to members of the Platform that circular economy has taken firm root in the state with interlude and interdependency.

“In addition, the state government will soon commence intense trainings for thousands of youths on circular economy tagged ‘Ignite Ogun’ to further expose them to the benefits of circular economy, which will further consolidate the state’s position as the headquarters of circular economy not only in Nigeria but in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Speaking on their scoping mission to the state, the team lead of Circular Business Platform who doubles as the Deputy Consular General of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Peter Keulers, said the partnership will further expand the knowledge of all stakeholders through trainings, workshops and exchange programmes on the circular economy aside from the creation of more jobs in the sector.

The team later visited the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, where the former president assured them of his and the state government’s commitment to partnering with the platform to further expand the scope and deepen the gains of the circular economy in the Gateway State.