The Lagos Green Economy Forum is collaborating with NewsClick Nigeria for the maiden edition of the Forum scheduled to hold on Wednesday, July 23.
Themed ‘Sustainability in SME Businesses’, the Forum will hold at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
According to research, SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) play a crucial role in the green economy by driving innovation, improving resource efficiency, and reducing their environmental footprint. They can benefit from adopting green practices and technologies, leading to cost savings, improved market positioning, and increased competitiveness. However, they often face challenges such as limited access to finance, lack of expertise, and high costs associated with transitioning to green operations.
Convener of the Forum Oluwole Korede in an interview with NewsClick Nigeria assured that the Forum primed to run annually will amongst other things equip participants with everything needed to scale the transition challenge.
“SMEs play a crucial role in job creation and industrial growth. However, their collective environmental impact is also significant. This forum is designed to equip them with the tools, knowledge, networks, and finance needed to transition toward sustainability,” he said.
The forum is packed with highly resourceful invitees who will be participating in different panel discussions. They include: Lagos commissioner for environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab; Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Sola Obadimu; Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chinyere Almona.
Others include: Sustainability Manager at 7Up Bottling Company, Lovelyn Okoye; Executive Secretary of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), Arese Onaghise; Director of Sustainability at IHS Towers Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga; Senior Business Adviser at Technoserve, Juliet Ezeani; Vice-President of the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN), Ini Abimbola.
Also on the guest list are: Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), Bankole Oloruntoba; Sustainability Manager at United Capital PLC, Paul Osho; ESG and development strategist, Equi Nwabudike; Head of Renewable Energy at First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Chinma George; Senior Manager for Sustainability and shared value at MTN Nigeria PLC, Temilade Olabanji; Vice-President of the Global Shea Alliance, Ali Saidu; Chief Executive Officer at UCEE Microfinance Bank, Esther Adeola-Balogun; Olubunmi Agbaje Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TEMOFLAK Nigeria limited, Olubunmi Agbaje; Head of Programs, United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, Gloria Okolie.
The Forum is open to all but prospective participants must register to attend. Register to attend here.