Oando Foundation Celebrates Milestone in Environmental Advocacy with Clean Our World Initiative

The Oando Foundation has made significant strides in environmental education and sustainable practices through its Clean Our World (COW) initiative. In collaboration with Sumitomo Chemical, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board, and GreenHubAfrica, the Foundation has successfully completed the fourth phase of the COW project in Lagos and the first phase in Plateau, benefiting over 69,500 individuals across 70 public primary schools in both states.

Nigeria produces approximately 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with plastic waste alone accounting for 2.5 million tonnes. In response to this urgent issue, the Oando Foundation is advocating for the integration of environmental education in public primary schools and communities nationwide. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4.7, which emphasizes the importance of equipping learners with the skills necessary for sustainable development, including education on sustainable lifestyles and climate action.

At the close-out ceremony held in Lagos, Tonia Uduimoh, Programmes Manager at Oando Foundation, stated, “We are proud to have completed this phase of the Clean Our World project, reinforcing our commitment to empowering young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to promote environmental sustainability. This initiative extends beyond classroom learning, fostering a culture of climate-conscious behavior among students, teachers, and communities. By focusing on waste management and recycling education, we aim to equip these young learners with the skills necessary to tackle Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges, such as plastic pollution and urban flooding.”

Building on previous successes, this year’s COW project expanded to Plateau State, marking its inaugural phase in the region. In both Lagos and Plateau, students participated in engaging activities centered on waste management, recycling, and sanitation, nurturing a new generation of climate advocates. The project also emphasized capacity-building for teachers, providing specialized training and resources to facilitate effective environmental education.

Mr. Hakeem Lamidi, Board Secretary of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), praised the initiative, saying, “The Clean Our World project has made significant progress in promoting environmental education, aligning perfectly with our state’s environmental goals. We commend the volunteers and partners for their dedication and efforts. Your contributions have not only improved our communities but also inspired a new generation. We remain committed to supporting initiatives like Clean Our World that promote environmental stewardship.”

Okeshina Deborah, Head Teacher at Awoyaya Nursery and Primary School, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are incredibly thankful for the knowledge gained through the Clean Our World initiative. This program has not only enhanced our understanding of sustainability but has also created opportunities for income generation through recycling.”

The COW IV close-out ceremony was attended by prominent figures from the private sector, government agencies, and civil society, including Mr. Hakeem Lamidi and Ademola Ogunbanjo, President/CEO of Oando Clean Energy Limited.

The Clean Our World project aligns with the Oando Foundation’s LEARNOVATE strategy, which focuses on improving foundational learning and promoting sustainability within educational systems. A key component, ‘PLANET,’ emphasizes environmental education, green skills development, and waste management initiatives at the basic education level.

Since its inception, the Clean Our World project has evolved significantly, reaching more communities and schools. In partnership with Sumitomo Chemical, the Foundation has educated various schools in Lagos State on sustainable waste management practices. The project’s impact has grown from seven schools in three communities in its first phase to 24 schools in ten communities in its third phase, demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting environmental education and sustainable practices.