The Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE) has partnered with Deloitte to establish the FABE Institute of Sustainability (FIS) – the first sustainability institute in Africa's most populous country to promote a green and circular economy.
FABE Institute of Sustainability is a visionary educational center dedicated to equipping learners with the knowledge, tools and innovative skills needed to drive the green economy sector.
At a virtual launch in Lagos on Thursday, FABE Chief Executive Officer Temitope Okunnu said the institute aims to promote environmental sustainability, culture and a sustainability-conscious lifestyle among Nigerians.
“Powered by Deloitte Africa, FIS is Nigeria’s first sustainability-focused e-learning institute – a bridge between knowledge and action,” she explained.
“It started in classrooms, school upcycling eco gardens and communities where we taught children that upcycling, recycling and sustainability are not concepts, but a lifestyle,” Okunnu said.
According to him, FABE has always had a dream to create a school where people can learn and understand environmental sustainability.
“The FABE Institute of Sustainability brings that dream to life – an e-learning platform built to make climate literacy, circular economy and sustainability education accessible to all.”
The institute was established to help Nigerians solve global issues at the local level, he said, “because when people understand the why and how of sustainable living, real change begins”.
“Today we are celebrating not only the launch of the Institute of Sustainability, but also the realization of a vision that began nearly 10 years ago,” he said.
In her keynote address, Abena Bini, Chief Sustainability Officer of Deloitte West Africa, said the partnership is not just part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), but it is imperative for the audit firm to promote sustainability in Africa.
“It brings me great joy as we celebrate the launch of the FABE Institute of Sustainability. This is a milestone in advancing sustainable climate change education and raising awareness in our region,” she said.
Lauding the initiative, Bini said sustainability is an integral part of Deloitte. “At Deloitte sustainability is something we hold very near and dear to our hearts. We believe in sustainability and the benefits it will bring when more people are informed.”
The circular economy is valued at $10 billion globally, but many Nigerians miss out on its benefits due to lack of adequate information.
Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Lagos State Governor, commended FABE Foundation for the great achievement of establishing a sustainability institute as well as creating awareness on green economy.
“We are breaking out of old models to teach sustainability through innovation and hands-on experience, where waste becomes wealth and where learners don't just memorize climate solutions.”
Oshodi highlighted Lagos' campaign in climate education. “In Lagos, it is this spirit that drives our secular economy agenda. We are building a city that not only sees change but embraces change. Sustainable development is not a luxury but a necessity for Nigeria's shared prosperity.”
Commending the feats of FABE Foundation, the Executive Director of Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI Nature Park), Desmond Majekodunmi, said it is the right step in the right direction.
He said, “This launch is just the beginning; we are now on the springboard of environmental awareness education that will penetrate deeply into the conscience of those with whom we come in contact.”
Majekodunmi said he is very hopeful that the launch of the FIS will bring lasting awareness to schools and improve the conscience of everyone trying to understand the circular sector.
