The WEEPOO Pee-to-Power Project alongside 10 kilometre Walk Against Open Defacation is to be launched by Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) on July 25, at its Ojota facility as part of efforts to promote sustainable sanitation, improve public health and advance environmental innovation in Lagos State.
The program is set to introduce an innovative sanitation model that combines clean public toilet infrastructure with biodigester technology to convert human waste into biogas and organic fertiliser.
In addition to providing sanitation facilities, the initiative is directed towards encouraging behavioural change by promoting the use of public toilets while showcasing locally developed solutions to Nigeria’s sanitation challenges.
According to the fellows, the 10-kilometre WEEPOO Walk Against Open Defecation is aimed at raising awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with open defecation and is expected to attract government officials, development partners, environmental advocates, community leaders, students, corporate organisations and residents.
The Team Lead of WEEPOO Lagos, Dr. Bayode Oke Thomas, in a statement said the project demonstrates how innovative sanitation solutions can improve public health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability by transforming human waste into renewable energy and organic fertiliser.
According to him, the project redefines sanitation beyond waste disposal by transforming human waste into valuable resources such as renewable energy and organic fertiliser.
”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.” he stated.
According to the organisers, the project supports Nigeria’s sanitation agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting innovative waste management, environmental protection, public health and climate action. They urged residents, corporate organisations, civil society groups, educational institutions and other stakeholders to participate in the awareness walk and support efforts to eliminate open defecation across communities.