Olori Data Matemilola Advocates Community-Centred Sustainability at Africa Sustainability Forum 2026

Author and clean-cooking advocate Olori Data Matemilola (née Jaja) has called for greater community awareness of clean cooking and environmental responsibility, urging stakeholders to take sustainability initiatives beyond conference halls and into homes, schools and local communities.

Matemilola made the call in her goodwill message at the Africa Sustainability Forum (ASF) 2026, held on October 20, 2026, under the theme, “Sustainable Futures: Driving Just Transitions, Green Growth & Shared Prosperity.”

She emphasised the need to make sustainability a practical part of everyday life, noting that households and communities have important roles to play in advancing environmental responsibility.

Drawing on her experience in clean-cooking advocacy, she highlighted the importance of ensuring that cleaner cooking options are affordable, accessible and safe for households. She also stressed the need for sustained public awareness of the environmental and health implications of household cooking practices.

Matemilola also spoke about her book, The Charming Gardeners, published in 2019, which uses African storytelling to introduce young people aged nine to 18 to clean cooking, household air pollution and environmental responsibility.

The book seeks to engage young readers with these issues through storytelling, helping them understand how everyday choices can contribute to healthier homes and a more sustainable environment.

She urged sustainability organisations, businesses, educators and development partners to strengthen collaboration in promoting community-level education and practical environmental action.

According to her, lasting progress depends on ensuring that sustainability messages reach people where they live, learn and work, while encouraging individuals and institutions to adopt responsible practices.

“Sustainability begins at home, grows through education and succeeds when no one is left behind,” Matemilola said.

Her message at the forum highlighted the importance of community participation, education and access to cleaner cooking solutions in building a more inclusive and sustainable future.