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, stressing the need to make sustainability a practical part of everyday life.

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

She emphasised the importance of taking sustainability conversations beyond conference halls and extending them to homes, schools and local communities, where environmental awareness can translate into meaningful behavioural change.

The clean-cooking advocate also highlighted the need to make cleaner cooking solutions affordable, accessible and safe for households, noting the importance of community engagement in promoting healthier and more environmentally responsible practices.

As part of her advocacy, Matemilola drew attention to her book, *The Charming Gardeners*, published in 2019. The book uses African storytelling to introduce young people aged nine to 18 to clean cooking, household air pollution and environmental responsibility.

According to her, engaging young people through storytelling and education can help build environmental awareness from an early age and encourage more sustainable practices within families and communities.

She also urged sustainability organisations, businesses, educators and development partners to strengthen collaboration and support initiatives that promote public awareness and practical action at the grassroots level.

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

Her message at the forum highlighted the role of community participation, education and accessible clean-cooking solutions in advancing inclusive sustainability and supporting the transition towards healthier and more environmentally responsible living.