- Sterling One Foundation has highlighted plastic waste pollution as a critical challenge to address this World Environment Day, emphasizing community-led cleanups, strategic partnerships, and sustained policy engagement as key strategies. In a statement released on Sunday, the Foundation announced its participation in WEDex 2025, a World Environment Day event convened by GreenHub Africa in collaboration with the United Nations, aimed at tackling the escalating plastic pollution crisis.
Earlier this year, the Foundation spearheaded a major cleanup at Elegushi Beach under its Beach Adoption Programme—a national initiative that has formally adopted more than five beaches since 2021, including Alpha, Eleko, Lafiaji, Iwerekun, and Okun Ajah. These efforts have resulted in the removal of over 9,000 kilograms of waste, including more than 4,800 kilograms of recyclables. Beyond the physical cleanups, Sterling One Foundation has worked closely with local leaders to foster awareness and long-term stewardship within coastal communities, strengthening the connection between environmental health and community well-being.
Olapeju Ibekwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, explained that these cleanups go beyond symbolism. She described the initiative as a deliberate strategy aimed at enhancing coastal resilience, protecting vulnerable populations, and linking sustainability with real economic opportunities. “Every cleanup is a chance to restore dignity to the environment and build trust in the systems meant to protect it,” Ibekwe said.
At WEDex 2025, the Foundation will participate in the ‘Financing Youth Initiatives for Green Entrepreneurship’ session held at the UN House in Abuja. The focus will be on unlocking capital and resources to empower community-based solutions to plastic pollution, particularly those led by young people.
The United Nations, a key partner in WEDex, will also co-convene the Africa Social Impact Summit this year, scheduled for July 10 and 11 in Lagos. The summit aims to spotlight practical solutions for climate resilience and policy innovation under the theme ‘Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation.’
Ibekwe emphasized that plastic pollution is not just an environmental concern but also a broader development challenge—and a significant opportunity. “If we do not treat it as urgent and systemic, it will keep undermining livelihoods, health, and climate goals,” she said. “Yet, with the right partnerships and investments, plastic waste can become a driver of jobs and innovation, especially for young people across Africa. The call now is for both the public and private sectors to act, to see beyond the problem and unlock its potential for good.”
