In her keynote address, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, CEO of Kratos Sustainability Consults, underscored the necessity of a just transition to sustainable lifestyles.
She explained that this transition goes beyond reducing waste or promoting eco-friendly products; it is about ensuring equitable access to sustainable alternatives without sacrificing quality of life.
Victor-Laniyan pointed out that the current global consumer landscape is unsustainable, with rising consumerism driving climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and waste accumulation.
She argued that the issue is not overconsumption but unfair consumption, as the most vulnerable populations bear the brunt of environmental harm.
She called for a just transition that considers the needs of workers, communities, and nations affected by the move toward sustainability, emphasizing fairness, equity, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
"The transition to sustainability must be rooted in justice. It must address the needs of those historically excluded from the benefits of development and ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind," Victor-Laniyan stated.
Other speakers at the event included Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communication and Sustainability Lead at Nestle Nigeria; Oluseye Olokun, Sustainability and CSR Manager at Nigerian Breweries; Aderonke Aderinoye, Head of Sustainability and CSR at Guinness Nigeria; and Dennis Aideloje, Corporate Communication Manager at Rites Foods.
They shared their companies' initiatives and commitments to sustainability, highlighting the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving a just transition to sustainable lifestyles.
In his welcome address, Daniel Obi, Chairman of BJAN, stressed the role of consumer awareness and education in advancing sustainability.
He urged businesses to develop sustainable products, adopt ethical production practices, and educate consumers on the benefits of sustainability.
Obi also acknowledged the event's partners, including Nestle Nigeria, Dangote Group, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Guinness Nigeria, UBA, Nigerian Breweries, Access Bank, and EXMAN.
Other partners recognized were the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), X3M Ideas, Rites Foods Nigeria, Integrated Indigo, Flour Mills Nigeria, First Bank, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Towncrier Nigeria, BUA Group, Mouka Nigeria, Unilever, Seplat Energy, Cadbury, Verdant Zeal, Kratos Sustainability Consult, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).