Sterling One Foundation has identified plastic waste pollution as a key environmental challenge to address this World Environment Day (WED), emphasizing community action, strategic partnerships, and sustained policy engagement.
In a statement on Sunday, the Foundation announced its participation in WEDex 2025—an environmental convening hosted by GreenHub Africa in partnership with the United Nations. The event will bring together stakeholders to explore lasting solutions to the global plastic crisis.
Earlier this year, the Foundation led a major cleanup at Elegushi Beach under its Beach Adoption Programme, a national initiative that has adopted more than five beaches since 2021—including Alpha, Eleko, Lafiaji, Iwerekun, and Okun Ajah. Collectively, these efforts have removed over 9,000 kilograms of waste, including more than 4,800 kilograms of recyclable materials. The Foundation works closely with local communities to promote environmental awareness and embed long-term stewardship along Nigeria’s coastlines.
“Our work on the beaches is not symbolic,” said Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation. “It is a deliberate strategy to improve coastal resilience, protect vulnerable populations, and link sustainability with real opportunity. Every cleanup is a chance to restore dignity to the environment and build trust in the systems meant to protect it.”
At WEDex 2025, Sterling One Foundation will take part in a high-level session titled “Financing Youth Initiatives for Green Entrepreneurship,” which will be held at the UN House in Abuja. The session will focus on mobilizing capital for community-driven solutions to plastic pollution and promoting sustainable livelihoods for young people.
The United Nations, a key partner for WEDex, will also co-convene the upcoming Africa Social Impact Summit, set for July 10–11 in Lagos. This year’s summit will spotlight climate resilience and policy innovation under the theme: “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation.”
Ibekwe stressed that while plastic pollution is a development challenge, it also presents a major economic opportunity.
“If we do not treat it as urgent and systemic, it will keep undermining livelihoods, health, and climate goals,” she said. “But with the right partnerships and investments, plastic waste can become a source of jobs and innovation, especially for young people across Africa. The call now is for both the public and private sectors to act—not just to solve the problem, but to unlock its potential for good.”
