Sahara Group Foundation, the social impact vehicle of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 23rd Sahara Go Recycling Hub at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja, Lagos, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability, community empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
The new hub advances the Foundation’s efforts to transform recyclable waste from an environmental liability into an economic asset, creating income opportunities for households through targeted waste-to-wealth programmes.
It also marks another step towards strengthening sustainable waste recovery systems and empowering host communities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, highlighted the Foundation’s continued investment in practical, community-focused solutions that deliver lasting environmental and socio-economic benefits.
“This initiative aligns with our sustainability and development priorities by transforming waste into valuable resources, reducing environmental impact, supporting climate action and creating livelihood opportunities. It demonstrates how communities can advance environmental responsibility while promoting inclusive economic growth,” she said.
Air Commodore M.A. Imam, Commander of 651 Base Services Group, commended the Foundation’s investment in environmental sustainability and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing waste management challenges in rapidly growing communities.
Also speaking, Kingsley Okotie, Head of Corporate Communications at Ikeja Electric, said the company was delighted to join forces with the Sahara Group Foundation to promote responsible environmental stewardship and sustainability at the Air Force base.
He reaffirmed Ikeja Electric’s commitment to building sustainable relationships, enhancing seamless power supply, and supporting the well-being of customers, institutions, businesses and communities.
Reiterating the Foundation’s broader vision, Menakaya noted that Sahara Go Recycling demonstrates the transformative potential of collective action in building cleaner, more resilient communities.
“Through collaboration, innovation and community participation, we are driving long-term environmental impact while improving livelihoods and strengthening community ownership of sustainable practices,” she added.
The ceremony brought together representatives of Sahara Group and Sahara Group Foundation, the Commandant of 651 Base Services Group, Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Air Force officials, community leaders, volunteers and residents, reflecting the importance of collaboration in delivering sustainable solutions.
Since its inception, Sahara Go Recycling has facilitated the recycling of more than 1,000 tonnes of recyclable waste and directly and indirectly supported over 2,000 livelihoods across collection, sorting, logistics and community-based enterprise activities.
Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, the initiative continues to promote recycling, unlock economic value from waste and encourage sustainable lifestyles.
Sahara Group Foundation will continue expanding Sahara Go Recycling in line with its mission of building sustainable communities through EXTRApreneurship.
For more information, visit www.saharagroupfoundation.org.