In an attempt to strengthen its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) hosted the official inauguration of the My Zero Waste Farmers Network (MZWFN) on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Epe, Lagos State. This event marked a significant step toward encouraging local farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.

The event official commenced with an opening prayer which was led by Mrs. Iguan Ibukun. This was immediately followed by a brief introduction of the organization which was done by Mr. Onyeka Titigbe, the Assistant Director for Campaigns and Administration for CODAF.  He explained that CODAF is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, environmental justice and community development across Nigeria. He highlighted CODAFs beliefs that the only way to assured food sovereignty is to support local farming systems that depend solely on organic materials.

Mr. Onyeka emphasized that CODAF’s initiatives, including the My Zero Waste Farmers Network are designed to equip individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive long-term, sustainable change. He concluded by reaffirming the organization’s committment in building the resilience of indigenous people to resist all forms of colonization of local food systems and promote agricultural practices that preserves the environment and respect the rights of indigenous people

Following the organization’s introduction, was a brief presentation on the Multi-Solving Action for Methane Reduction in Nigeria (MAMRN) project. The session highlighted the project objective of addressing methane emissions through community led actions that ultimately tackle environment health issues and climate change.

The speaker, Mr. Raphael Oniovo, emphasized on the importance of reducing methane emissions in mitigating the impacts of climate change. He explained that poor waste management practices, such as open dumping and inadequate landfills management, which are all prevalent in Lagos state, exacerbate methane emissions as the decomposition of organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. He stated that the project seeks to engage local communities in zero waste practices, such as waste segregation at source, composting, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming and awareness campaigns while creating employment opportunities for individuals.

Mr. Raphael Oniovo led a comprehensive session on the concept of zero waste and its importance. He defined zero waste as the conservation of resources by means of responsible production, consumption, packaging, reuse and recovery of materials with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment and human health. He explained the principles of zero waste, emphasizing the need to minimize waste generation and maximize waste conversion.

He further addressed the question, “Why Zero Waste?”, highlighting the role zero waste play in combating pollution and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. He also addressed false solutions to waste management such as landfills and incinerator, noting the Lagos state government attempt to addressing waste management by building a Waste to Energy facility. He condemned this move, stating that though it may look convenient, it may cause more environmental harm and this attempt is far more cost and energy inefficient as compared to zero waste initiatives. He stressed that CODAF does not support such approaches as they neither contribute positively to community development nor environmental health.

Speaking on the My Zero Waste Farm Network (MZWFN) project, an innovative initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices through composting and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, Mr. Raphael stated that the project seeks to create a link between waste management and food production.

Mr. Raphael highlighted the significant role this project plays in reducing methane emissions, while improving soil fertility and livestock production, through composting and BSF larvae production. He emphasized on economic benefits of this model including lower waste disposal costs, reduced expenses on manure and animal feeds, improved crop yield and access to alternative protein source for livestock feed.

He concluded by providing insight into the MRF in Epe, where the event was been held. He explained how the MRF is a practical example of zero waste initiative that supports agroecological practices such as composting and BSF farming, recycling enterprises, job creation and ultimately reduces the volume of waste sent to dumpsites.

This was quickly followed by a Question-and-Answer Session, led by Mr. Onyeka Titigbe. The session actively engaged all participants as questions on different aspects of BSF farming were raised including questions on the availability of BSF eggs and the most suitable types of waste for rearing the BSF larvae. Questions were also raised about common myths, particularly the claim that fish are unable to properly digest Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, resulting in maggots being found within their body cavities. In response, Mr. Onyeka explained that no scientific research supports this theory and clarified that BSF larvae can also be safely incorporated into animal feed after being dried and ground.

The highlight of the event was the official inauguration of My Zero Waste Farm Network (MZWFN) led by Mr. Onyeka Titigbe. Speaking during the inauguration, Mr. Onyeka stated that the network is designed to foster collaboration, capacity building and training, ultimately creating zero waste farms within communities in Epe, Lagos State. The leaders of the newly inaugurated members of MZWFN were elected via a voting process which led to the emergence of Mr. Adeosun Temitope as the coordinator and Mrs. Iguan Ibukun as the secretary. A system of communication amongst themselves was also established.

Following the inauguration ceremony, participants proceeded on a guided inspection of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) located at the event venue in Epe. The tour of the MRF was organized to give participants first-hand insight into how the facility operates. Led by Mr. Onyeka Titigbe and other technical staff, the inspection covered key sections of the facility, including the waste sorting area, storage compartments for recyclable materials, composting units and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) units.

As the event drew to a close, Mr. Onyeka thanked the participants for attending the event and engaging actively in the training. He encouraged them to take ownership of the facility and engage actively in its operations to maximize its agricultural, environmental and economic benefits.

The event concluded with a closing prayer, led by Mr. Adeosun Temitope. To commemorate the event, group photographs were taken at the end of the program. The photos featured the newly inaugurated members of My Zero Waste Farmers Network, CODAF team members and other invited guests.