Sterling One Foundation has said that plastic waste pollution can be properly tackled via community-led cleanups, strategic collaborations, and ongoing policy engagement.
The foundation recently had its say on this year’s World Environment Day, and Nigerians have been reacting.
Speaking via a press statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, shared that it will join other stakeholders at WEDex 2025, a World Environment Day convening, hosted by GreenHub Africa, in partnership with the United Nations, to find solutions to the plastic waste pollution crisis.
Olapeju revealed that the foundation led a massive cleanup exercise at Elegushi Beach, under its Beach Adoption Programme, a national initiative that has now formally adopted more than 5 beaches since 2021, including Alpha, Eleko, Lafiaji, Okun Ajah, and Iwerekun.
According to her, Sterling One Foundation has cleared more than 9,000 kilogrammes of waste, including more than 4,800 kilogrammes of recyclables, while partnering with local leaders to boost awareness on ways to avoid plastic waste pollution across Nigeria.
She noted that because cleaning up brings back the dignity that several Nigerian environments have been stripped off over the years, the foundation deserves praise for enhancing coastal resilience and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
“Our work on the beaches is not symbolic. It is a deliberate strategy to improve coastal resilience, protect vulnerable populations, and link sustainability with real opportunity. Every cleanup is a chance to restore dignity to the environment and build trust in the systems meant to protect it,” she said.
The United Nations, a key collaborator on WEDex, also returns in 2025 as co-convener of the Africa Social Impact Summit, scheduled for July 10 and 11 in Lagos.
The summit will concentrate on practical solutions for climate resilience and policy innovation under the theme “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation.”
She concluded that plastic pollution remains a development problem that can undermine livelihoods and general health if not addressed urgently.
“Plastic pollution is a development issue but also an untapped opportunity. If we do not treat it as urgent and systemic, it will keep undermining livelihoods, health, and climate goals.
Yet, if we engage in the right partnerships and investments, plastic waste can be turned into a driver of jobs and innovation, especially for young people across the continent.
The call now is for both the public and private sectors to act, to see beyond the problem and unlock its potential for good,” she added.
Folami David writes on trends and pop culture. He is a creative writer, and he is passionate about music and football.
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