By Esther Onyegbula
Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) will on July 25 launch the WEEPOO Pee-to-Power Project and lead a 10-kilometre WEEPOO Walk Against Open Defecation in Lagos State as part of efforts to promote sustainable sanitation, improve public health and advance environmental innovation.
The project, to be unveiled at its Ojota facility, introduces an innovative sanitation model that combines clean public toilet infrastructure with biodigester technology to convert human waste into biogas and organic fertiliser.
The initiative is designed not only to provide improved sanitation facilities but also to drive behavioural change by encouraging the use of public toilets while demonstrating locally developed solutions to Nigeria’s sanitation challenges.
The accompanying awareness walk is expected to bring together government officials, development partners, environmental advocates, community leaders, students, corporate organisations and residents to strengthen advocacy against open defecation and promote cleaner, healthier and more sustainable communities.
Speaking on the initiative, Team Lead of WEEPOO Lagos, Dr. Bayode Oke Thomas, described the project as a practical demonstration of how innovative sanitation solutions can improve public health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability.
According to him, the initiative redefines sanitation beyond waste disposal by transforming human waste into valuable resources such as renewable energy and organic fertiliser.
He said: “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.”
The organisers said the 10-kilometre WEEPOO Walk Against Open Defecation is aimed at educating members of the public on the health and environmental dangers associated with open defecation, while encouraging the use of hygienic public toilets and inspiring citizens to become advocates for improved sanitation.
They stressed that although investment in sanitation infrastructure remains essential, achieving lasting sanitation reforms requires sustained public education, community participation and behavioural change.
According to the organisers, ending open defecation goes beyond constructing toilet facilities, noting that it also involves improving access to sanitation services and encouraging citizens to take ownership of their environment.
They added that the Ojota Pee-to-Power Project demonstrates how modern sanitation infrastructure can enhance hygiene, protect water resources, reduce methane emissions and generate renewable energy from human waste.
The organisers further noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s sanitation agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting innovative waste management, environmental protection, public health and climate action.
Residents, corporate organisations, civil society organisations, educational institutions, healthcare professionals and environmental advocates have been urged to participate in the awareness walk and support the campaign to eliminate open defecation.
They also disclosed that registration for the 10-kilometre WEEPOO Walk Against Open Defecation, as well as volunteer applications, is currently open through the project’s official platforms.
