Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, LJLA, are set to lead a 10-kilometre Walk Against Open Defecation as part of efforts to promote improved sanitation, behavioural change and cleaner public spaces across Lagos.
The walk is the flagship activity of their capstone project: “Pee-Poo to Power Lagos,” taking place on Saturday 25th July from Allen Junction, Ikeja to LAMATA Motor Park, Ojota, an innovative initiative aimed at ending open defecation and indiscriminate urination in Lagos by converting human waste to clean energy through a circular economy model.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Team Lead of the project, Bayode Oke-Thomas, said the initiative followed months of research, stakeholder engagements and community consultations.
“We spoke with residents, transport workers, community leaders and commuters. Open defecation and indiscriminate urination kept coming up as major public health and environmental concerns,” Oke-Thomas said.
He explained that the project merges modern sanitation infrastructure with biodigester technology to convert human waste into biogas, while also driving behavioural change through public education.
As part of the plan, the team has proposed a pilot sanitation hub at a busy transport terminal in Lagos. The hub will demonstrate how public toilets can be upgraded into cleaner, safer facilities that also generate renewable energy.
Co-Lead of the walk, Shalom Ernest, said the exercise is designed to highlight the health risks of open defecation, promote personal responsibility, and mobilise Lagosians to embrace better sanitation habits.
“The 10-kilometre distance represents the journey many people make daily to access public toilets. It reflects the urgent need for improved sanitation facilities across the state,” Ernest said.
“Participants will assemble at Allen Junction before marching to Ojota. A reception at the terminal will feature a documentary on the project’s development, sustainability model, and expansion plans.”
Medical personnel, security agencies and emergency responders will be on ground to ensure participants’ safety.
Speaking on partnerships, fellow Oluwatosin Alabi described Pee-Poo to Power Lagos as more than a campaign.
“This is a movement to change how we see waste. Environmental challenges can become opportunities when we collaborate,” Alabi said.
He acknowledged support from government officials, development partners, engineering experts, media organisations and community stakeholders. He noted that early rejections from some institutions helped the team refine the project.
Alabi called for sustained financial and technical support from both the public and private sectors to scale the initiative across Lagos.
The LJLA fellows said the project aligns with the Lagos State government’s vision of building cleaner, smarter and more sustainable communities.
They expressed optimism that Pee-Poo to Power Lagos will improve public health, boost environmental sustainability, and encourage responsible sanitation practices statewide.
