Experts urge fairness, inclusivity in sustainability at BJAN Consumer Rights event
L-R: Oluseye Olokun,Sustainability & CSR Manager, Nigerian Breweries plc;Victoria Uwadoka, Head, Corporate Communications and Sustainability Lead Nestle Nigeria;Adamu Garba, Chief Operating Officer, Nigerian Climate Innovation Centre;Shina Iteade, Moderator;Aderonke Aderinoye, Head Sustainability & CSR, Guinness Nigeria and Dennis Aideloje, Corporate Communications Manager, Rite Foods, at the 2025 BJAN World consumer rights day with theme A just Transition to Sustainability Lifestyles held in Lagos.
At the 2025 World Consumer Rights Day event, organized by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) on March 14 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, industry experts underscored the need for a fair and inclusive transition to sustainable living.
Delivering the keynote address, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, CEO of Kratos Sustainability Consults, emphasized that sustainability goes beyond eco-friendly products and waste reduction. She stressed the need for equitable access to sustainable alternatives, ensuring that no one’s quality of life is compromised in the process.
Victor-Laniyan highlighted that excessive and inequitable consumption patterns are driving climate change, deforestation, and resource depletion, with the most vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of these challenges. She called for a “just transition” that considers the needs of affected workers, communities, and nations, advocating for fairness and protection for those historically excluded from development benefits.
“Sustainability must be rooted in justice. The most vulnerable must not be left behind in the global shift towards greener lifestyles,” she stated.
Panelists at the event, including Victoria Uwadoka (Head, Corporate Communication and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria), Oluseye Olokun (Sustainability and CSR Manager, Nigerian Breweries), Aderonke Aderinoye (Head of Sustainability and CSR, Guinness Nigeria), and Dennis Aideloje (Corporate Communication Manager, Rites Foods), shared insights on corporate sustainability initiatives. They collectively emphasized the necessity of collaboration in achieving a sustainable future.
BJAN Chairman, Daniel Obi, in his welcome address, highlighted the role of consumer education in fostering sustainable habits. He urged businesses to adopt ethical production practices and develop products that align with environmental goals.
Obi also expressed gratitude to partners, including Nestlé Nigeria, Dangote Group, Guinness Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, UBA, Access Bank, and Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), for their support. Other contributing organizations included EXMAN, MIPAN, OAAN, ADVAN, X3M Ideas, Rites Foods, Integrated Indigo, Flour Mills Nigeria, First Bank, AAAN, Towncrier Nigeria, BUA Group, Mouka Nigeria, Unilever, Seplat Energy, Cadbury, Verdant Zeal, Kratos Sustainability Consult, FCCPC, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, and NIPR.
The event reinforced the urgent need for businesses, policymakers, and consumers to work together in building a just and sustainable future.
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