In continuation of its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and community development, the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) hosted the official launch of the Waste Pickers Organizing Forum on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Epe, Lagos State.

The event official commenced with an opening prayer which was led by Mr. Uche Godwin. 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.

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.

The next session focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the work carried out by waste pickers in Epe. The discussion explored the critical role waste pickers play in the project, particularly in championing zero waste zero advocacy and supporting methane reduction efforts through source segregation practice.

The discussion also explored ways on how to build stronger collaboration with waste pickers including ways to integrate their efforts into diverting organic wastes from dumpsites, thereby providing livelihoods for waste pickers and further creating a closed loop system for organic waste management and agricultural sustainability.

Following the discussion, 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 discussion. He encouraged them to take ownership of the facility and engage actively in its operations as they are vital to the success of the MAMRN project.

The event concluded with a closing prayer, led by Mr. Dele Lawson. To commemorate the event, group photographs were taken at the end of the program. The photos featured the waste pickers, CODAF team members and other invited guests.