On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) held its inaugural Scientific Committee Induction event, focusing on the theme, “Mainstreaming Sustainability in Africa: Professionalism, Standardization, and Capabilities.” The virtual gathering brought together scholars, industry experts, and sustainability professionals to discuss the path forward for Africa-focused sustainability solutions.
The event, moderated by Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.), SPIN’s Legal Director, and headlined by First Bank of Nigeria PLC, featured keynote addresses and panel discussions from globally renowned thought leaders. Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, President of SPIN and Professor of Sustainable Finance at the European University Institute, emphasized the need for Africa to redefine sustainability in its own context, calling for a decolonization of sustainability frameworks. “Africa must balance environmental, social, and economic imperatives that are unique to our realities,” he stated.
During the event, Vice President Ini Abimbola administered the SPIN induction oath to the newly inducted scientific committee members, urging them to drive professionalism, standardization, and capacity building in sustainability practices across Africa.
The committee, composed of seven distinguished scholars and practitioners, discussed the complex challenges of sustainability in Africa. Professor Emmanuel Adegbite highlighted the role of corporate governance in promoting sustainable business practices, while Professor Judy Muthuri emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into sustainability strategies.
Further insights were shared by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, who advocated for justice-centered policies, and Professor Uwafiokun Idemudia, who called for multi-stakeholder collaboration to combat environmental degradation. Dr. Adaeze Okoye underscored the need for regulatory frameworks that promote equity and inclusion.
The event also featured discussions on innovative sustainability approaches, with Dr. Natalie Beinisch offering insights into circular economy principles, and Professor Tazeeb Rajwani analyzing the impact of geopolitical shifts on sustainability practices.
The event concluded with remarks from Ismail Omamegbe, SPIN’s Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, who outlined the committee’s roadmap for advancing SPIN’s research agenda, policy formulation, and capacity-building initiatives.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, SPIN’s Director of Learning and Development, reaffirmed the committee’s vision to localize solutions and decolonize sustainability approaches in Africa. She emphasized the importance of inclusive, data-driven growth and cross-sector collaboration to transform sustainability practices across the continent.
