Foundation opens 23rd recycling hub in Lagos

The Sahara Group Foundation has opened its 23rd recycling hub at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos, as part of a campaign to promote sustainable waste management and generate income for communities. The hub, located within the base, focuses on the recovery of recyclable materials, helping residents earn money from discarded resources.

Chidilim Menakaya, the Director of the Sahara Group Foundation, explained that the new center aligns with the organization's sustainability goals by reducing environmental damage, supporting climate action, and fostering inclusive economic development.

Speaking at the inauguration, Air Commodore M.A. Imam, Commander of 651 Base Services Group, praised the foundation's commitment to environmental sustainability, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to tackle waste management issues in rapidly growing areas. Kingsley Okotie, the Head of Corporate Communications at Ikeja Electric, also praised the partnership with the foundation, highlighting the importance of responsible environmental practices at the base and reaffirming the company's dedication to sustainable partnerships.

Menakaya stressed that the recycling initiative demonstrates how partnerships and community involvement can drive substantial environmental impact while improving livelihoods. The facility has already processed over 1,000 tonnes of recyclable waste, directly and indirectly supporting more than 2,000 livelihoods through waste collection, sorting, logistics, and community-based businesses.

Through ongoing collaborations and community engagement, the foundation aims to promote recycling, generate economic value from waste, and encourage sustainable lifestyles, with plans to expand the programme to further build sustainable communities.