Sahara Group Foundation has expanded its environmental sustainability drive with the commissioning of its 23rd Sahara Go Recycling Hub at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos, bringing its waste-to-wealth initiative closer to more communities.
The project, driven by Sahara Group’s social impact vehicle, seeks to address the growing challenge of waste disposal by establishing a system through which recyclable materials can be recovered, processed and converted into economic opportunities for individuals and households.
Beyond promoting cleaner surroundings, the initiative provides a platform for community members to earn income from recyclable waste, while encouraging greater participation in environmentally responsible practices.
At the commissioning ceremony, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, described the project as part of the organisation’s commitment to delivering practical solutions that combine environmental protection with improved livelihoods.
She said the initiative supports the Foundation’s sustainability objectives by reducing environmental pollution, advancing climate action and creating economic value from materials that would otherwise be discarded.
According to her, the project illustrates how environmental responsibility can become a vehicle for inclusive development when communities are actively involved.
Commander of 651 Base Services Group, Air Commodore M.A. Imam, welcomed the intervention, commending the Foundation for bringing its sustainability programme to the Air Force base.
He underscored the need for collaboration among organisations and communities to tackle waste management challenges, particularly in densely populated and rapidly developing areas.
Menakaya emphasised that the success of Sahara Go Recycling rests on collaboration, innovation and active community participation, adding that local ownership would be essential to sustaining its impact.
The event was attended by representatives of Sahara Group and its Foundation, military officials, community leaders, volunteers and residents.
The latest commissioning builds on the programme’s growing record of environmental and economic impact.
Since its launch, Sahara Go Recycling has facilitated the recovery and recycling of more than 1,000 tonnes of recyclable materials, while supporting over 2,000 direct and indirect livelihoods.
These opportunities span waste collection, sorting, transportation and other community-based enterprise activities, demonstrating the potential of recycling to stimulate grassroots economic activity.
Through partnerships and community-driven interventions, the Foundation is seeking to make recycling an integral part of everyday life while developing sustainable economic opportunities around waste recovery.
The expansion of Sahara Go Recycling forms part of Sahara Group Foundation’s wider commitment to building sustainable communities through EXTRApreneurship.