By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
Stakeholders in environmental sustainability, circular economy, and waste management are set to converge on Ibadan as Oyo State prepares to host the third edition of the Oyo Waste Summit (OWS 3.0).
The two-day flagship event, held annually to commemorate World Clean-Up Day, is scheduled for September 23 at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, and September 24, 2026, at the Amphitheatre, Adamasingba Stadium.
The Convener of the summit and State Coordinator of the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), Victor Oluwadamilare Oyejide, disclosed in a statement that the event aims to drive sustainable, innovative solutions for a greener state.
According to Oyejide, a member of the Oyo State Council on Climate Change (OYCCC), the 2026 edition shifts focus from basic waste disposal to innovation, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and building a viable business case around food waste.
“Ibadan can be cleaner. Oyo can be wealthier. And perhaps the change begins when we stop asking how to get rid of our waste and start asking what value we can create from it,” Oyejide said.
This year’s summit features a keynote address by Desmond Nnajiofor, a distinguished food system entrepreneur and food waste valorisation expert from “Moniya,” who will speak on the theme: “Food Waste; Local Action as the Foundation of Global Change.”
In addition to plenary sessions, the 2026 edition introduces several practical and engaging activities designed to make sustainability inclusive:
Green Pacesetter: The official unveiling of the Oyo State circular magazine.
Buy-Back Programme: An initiative allowing residents to exchange recyclable materials for cash or incentives.
Student Waste Innovation Challenge: A platform encouraging youth-led creative solutions.
Eco-Faaji: A sustainability-themed celebration demonstrating eco-friendly methods for managing food waste during social gatherings and parties.
The Oyo Waste Summit has continually evolved since its inception with the inaugural edition in 2024 centered on plastic waste management, exhibitions, and community clean-ups, while the second edition turned its attention to fashion waste and creative recycling.
Powered annually by Pavis Integrated Africa Limited, the initiative has successfully shaped public mindset, influenced policy decisions, provided crucial waste infrastructure, and fostered a robust network for environmental partnerships over the past three years.
The 2026 summit has received official endorsement from the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in recognition of its growing positive impact on the state’s ecological landscape.
