The Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social sustainability vehicle of the Sahara Group, has unveiled its 14th Go-Recycling hub in keeping with its commitment to promoting sustainable waste management and community empowerment in Nigeria.
The new hub, located in Navy Town Barracks, Ojo, Lagos, builds on the success of 13 previously launched hubs across the state as the initiative continues to foster a circular economy, where waste is minimised, and resources are continuously reused and recycled.
According to the Board Chairman, Sahara Group Foundation, Major General Emeka Onwuamaegbu (retd.), the initiative is set to produce a paradigm shift in Navy Town, Ojo, and make residents critical stakeholders in the quest for environmental sustainability, “while making money in the process”.
Speaking at the inauguration of the hub, Director, Sahara Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, said the Sahara Go-Recycling hubs aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both the environment and the local communities, ultimately driving sustainable development.
“The Sahara Group Foundation is delighted that the message of making a difference through recycling has resonated well with the communities where we have established the hubs. We are already exploring opportunities for establishing more hubs in line with our mantra of building sustainable societies once community at a time,” she said.
Menakaya said the initiative’s impact reinforces the strength of collaboration and grassroots engagement.
“With 14 hubs now operational, we are not just reducing waste; we are creating jobs, supporting livelihoods, and laying the foundation for a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” she added.
Since its inception, the Sahara Go-Recycling Initiative has enabled the collection of over 367 tonnes of recyclable waste and facilitated payouts exceeding N43m to the beneficiaries. The programme has positively impacted more than 500 households, creating alternative income streams and improving livelihoods in participating communities.
Commodore S. M. Tasiu, Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, said, “I am just imagining a situation whereby we would walk around Navy Town, and we would not find any nylon or plastic containers on the ground. This initiative is excellent. I would love to see this in other Nigerian Navy barracks, and sister services like the army, air force, and even paramilitary agencies.”
Anita Idaho, President, Naval Ratings Wife Association, said, “The women are very happy because we will turn our trash into money and keep our environment very clean. We are grateful for the Sahara Go Recycling Hub. Thank you so much, Sahara Group Foundation. The women are very happy,” she said.
Mr Kunle Adebiyi, the Executive Director (Finance) at LAWMA, commended Sahara Group Foundation for the initiative, which he said would contribute immensely to efforts geared towards addressing flooding and pollution.
“It is important for us to collaborate, and part of what we are trying to do in Lagos State, as part of our journey towards environmental sustainability, is to set up such hubs. Thank you to the Sahara Group Foundation for this opportunity, and we hope we can do more together,” he said.
Implemented in partnership with Wecyclers and Ibile Oil and Gas, the Sahara Go-Recycling Initiative provides accessible drop-off points in communities, including Ijora, Ikorodu, Agege, Festac, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island, and Maryland. Residents can exchange recyclable materials such as plastic and aluminum cans for incentives – encouraging responsible waste disposal while fostering economic empowerment.
Menakaya highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration partnerships in amplifying impact and driving meaningful change.
“At Sahara Group Foundation, we believe in EXTRApreneurship – building sustainable ecosystems through meaningful collaborations. Our partnership with Wecyclers and Ibile Oil has been key to the success of this initiative, which reflects our broader commitment to promoting responsible living and enabling circular economy solutions not just in Nigeria but across Africa.”
Sahara Group Foundation plans to expand the Go-Recycling Initiative to additional communities within and beyond Lagos, reinforcing its mission of Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship
For more information on the Sahara Go-Recycling Initiative and other programs by Sahara Group Foundation, please visit www.saharagroupfoundation.org.
