Stakeholders have lauded the official launch of the FABE Institute of Sustainability (FIS) aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability in Africa.
The launch of the institute was promoted by the Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE International) in partnership with Deloitte on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Lagos.
The Chief Executive Officer and founder of FABE Foundation International, Mrs. Temitope Okunnu, described the launch of the institute as a dream come true to promote environmental sustainability culture and lifestyle among Nigerians.
“Today, we are celebrating more than just the launch of the Institute of Sustainability, but the realisation of a vision that began almost 10 years ago.
“This began in classrooms, school upcycled ecogardens, and communities where we taught children that upcycling, recycling, and that sustainability is not concepts, but a lifestyle.
“When we started teaching climate action in schools through EcoSchoolsNG, we dreamed of raising a generation that understands and acts for the planet.
“The FABE Institute of Sustainability is that dream come alive — an e-learning platform built to make climate literacy, circular economy, and sustainability education accessible to everyone.
“It is built for Nigerians, by Nigerians, to help us solve global problems locally – because when people understand the why and how of sustainable living, real change begins.
“Powered by Deloitte Africa, FIS stands as Nigeria’s first sustainability-focused e-learning institute – a bridge between knowledge and action,” she said.
Okunnu noted that learners could explore courses designed by African experts already creating solutions in waste management, renewable energy, sustainable finance, biodiversity, and green enterprise.
“To Deloitte Africa, thank you for believing in this dream and investing in the power of education to build a sustainable future,” Okunnu said.
In her keynote address, the Deloitte West Africa Chief Sustainability officer, Mrs. Abena Biney, noted that the partnership was part its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to promote sustainability in Africa.
“It is my utmost pleasure as we celebrate the lunch of the FABE Institute of Sustainability (FIS). This is a milestone in advancing sustainable climate change education and advancing awareness across our region.
“On behalf of Deloitte, I want to express how proud we are to be part of this journey. Sustainability is something we owe very close and dear to our heart we believe in sustainability and that will be gains with informed people.
“When individuals understand the why behind sustainability, they begin to see how their actions in actions daily decisions in innovation and other activities can make a difference,” Biney said.
According to her, there is a green skills gap in Africa, which the institute is set to bridge, hence the strategic partnership.
“We have a green skills gap in Africa, across Africa there’s a growing recognition of the needs to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable systems in energy agriculture and finance.
“One of our biggest barriers is that we do not have enough people with the skills required to make that transition or at a greater scale.
“We have enough in enthusiasm, we have boundless passion and great ideas but we need more people with technical practical and managerial expertise to change these ideas into lasting solutions.
“As a result in partnership with the FABE Foundation, we see sustainability not just as a corporate social responsibility but as a capability imperative,” she said.
On her part, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, lauded FABE Foundation on the great feat of setting up a sustainability institute.
“I congratulate the FABE Foundation on the launch of its FIS, it is such a great feat.
“Today is not just a launching of an institute but it is about an idea whose time as fully come. The FIS is more than a building or virtual platform.
“It is showing us how learning can lead us to the future where progress and the planet are not in competition but in collaboration.
“We are moving out of outdated models to teach sustainability, through innovation and hands one experience, where waste becomes wealth and where learners do not just memorise climates solutions.
“In Lagos, this is the spirit that drives our secular economy agenda we are building a city that does not just see change but adapts to change,” she said.
She said that sustainable development was not a luxury but necessity and pathway to shared prosperity.
“FABE institute and its partners stands as representative that bridge the gap between knowledge and impact where younger Africans, innovators and policy makers can meet at the intersection of ideas and relationship.
“We will learn not only worst sustainability is but how to make it working our homes city and industries sustainability is not just a cause, it is a culture,” she said.
Lauding FABE Foundation’s exploits, Dr Desmond Majekodunmi, the Executive Director of Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative, described it as the right step in the right direction.
“The importance of leading a sustainability revolution is what we call this launch. With what FABE is doing in partnership with the launch we say a big well done.
“This launch is not just the beginning, we are now on the springboard of environmental awareness education that will penetrate deep into the conscience of those who we come in contact with.
“As we start opening the awareness to schools and the education sector, this consciousness will spread exponentially and prick the conscience of all who are trying to understand what we are trying to do with the sustainability revolution FABE has started in Africa,” Majekodunmi said.
By Mercy Omoike