The Green Sustainable Solution launch kicked off at about 10am at number 18 Idi Street Ajegunle, Lagos. Anchoring the program was Mrs. Blessing Onyelekwe, the Communications and Partnership Manager for AFRICAN CLEANUP INITIATIVE. An opening prayer was said, followed by the national anthem to declare the event open.
Giving the opening speech was the Managing Director of the Green Sustainable Solution, GSS, Mr. Shedrack Bright. He explained that the GSS is a social enterprise whose mantra is to promote the culture of recycling, create value through recycling waste, empower men, women and youths and foster environmentally friendly co-existence amongst people through the Sabi Recycle Project and the Green Christmas Bazaar, where community members will bring their recyclables to the GSS Hub in exchange for food item and incentives to enable each family enjoy the season better.
This speech was followed by the introduction of, African Cleanup Initiative as a partner with the GSS. The speech done by the Head of Operations of the African cleanup initiative, Mr. Elvis Umunna, focused on the cores of the initiative and some remarkable projects existing and implemented by the Initiative, such as, the Cleanup Naija Project, Clean For Impact, Bottles For Pad and Diaper, Green Independence cleanup which is done to commemorate Nigeria’s independence, etc. The Founder/CEO of the African Cleanup Initiative, Dr. Alexander Akhigbe, explained his deepest desire is to see Ajegunle rid of these pollutants and that its people and economy thrive and also achieve the award of being the neatest community in Lagos State.
The event hosted dignitaries like Hon. Akanbi, Oluwa, contesting for the Lagos State Assembly. He first expressed his displeasure towards the polluted areas and then applauded the project. In his words, he said, “I key into this initiative as it will enable us create wealth and rid the environment of pollutants”.
Mr. Onu Chinedu, Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, FBRA, explained the damage these recyclables that cannot decompose easily cause to the land and the water bodies. He also appreciated the project idea and mentioned that the FBRA is proud to be a partner on this and ready to support the project.
Other dignitaries who shared their sincere appreciation to the Green sustainable solution and how they believe that the Sabi Recycling project will go a long way to improve the standard of living in the community includes The President of the Lagos Recyclers Association, Dr. Femi Adegoke, The Elder’s States Men of Ifelodun local government and Hon. Sulaimon Bolajoko, Councillor in Ifelodun LGA, who stated, that “this project is a commendable one and if a major part of the people of Ajegunle are aware and understand the importance and benefits of recycling”. Others in attendance were the Representative of the Department of Environment, Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government, members of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun council, Comrade Aliyu Dauda, Leader of Youth Council Ajeromi, to mention but a few.
The program ended on a high note as all attendees of the launch also had the opportunity to ask questions, and share their opinion and advice on how best to engage the community members door to door. They also saw the project as a sustainable one which will required a lot of action for a better Ajegunle community as recycling is more than just a response to environmental crisis but have assumed a symbolic role in the change within the western world and the culture of consumerism. We must embrace this act as it is a sustainable solution even for generations to come.
