A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Africa Cleanup Initiative (ACI), says its ‘Sabi Recycling Project’ is transforming lives and landscapes across Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area and Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State.
The Executive Director, ACI, Dr Alex Akhigbe, disclosed this in an interview with Newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
Akhigbe said the project, supported by ACT Foundation, was emboldening grassroots movement in the LCDA, which had shown that sustainable impact was possible when communities lead the charge.
“At the heart of the Sabi Recycling Project is a simple but powerful idea: waste has value, and people have power.
“Through sustained community engagement, training, and environmental education, the project has empowered 11 communities to embrace recycling, sort waste from the source, and turn plastic pollution into opportunity.
“To date, the initiative has recovered an impressive 400,086 kilogrammes of recyclable materials—a milestone that speaks volumes about the collective will to create a cleaner and healthier environment,” Akhigbe said.
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He noted that beyond environmental gains, the project had far-reaching social and economic impact, directly empowering 2,130 men, women, and youths, and indirectly benefiting over 6,000 individuals.
“The Sabi Recycling Project is not just about cleaning the environment—it is about building a future where sustainability and empowerment go hand in hand,” he said.
The director said the project’s success would not have been possible without the steadfast support of local leaders and institutions whose partnership had anchored its impact.
He listed the key contributors as Mrs Funmilayo Ejide, Director, Lagos State Ministry of Environment; Mr Ismaila Sanni, Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun Community Development Council.
”Others are Mr Sesan Idris, Head of Director, Environment, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA and Mr Tokunbo Molade, Chairman, Dankaka Community Development Area.
”Also, Azeez Nurudeen, Secretary, Ifelodun Community Development Council; Balogun Ibrahim, Baale of Amukoko, Ifelodun; Mr Lawal Ademola, Coordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ifelodun Chapter among others,” he said.
He explained that their vision, collaboration, and advocacy had demonstrated that, lasting environmental progress must be community-led and leadership-driven.
According to him, Sabi Recycling Project is more than an intervention—it is a movement.
“It represents a scalable, replicable model for other communities across Nigeria and beyond.
“It is a living message that sustainability starts at home, in our streets, with our people—and that climate action can be local, inclusive, and life-changing.
“As the climate crisis continues to mount, the Sabi Recycling Project stands as a resounding call to action—for governments, organisations, and citizens—to invest in grassroots-led, people-centered solutions,” Akhigbe said.
He urged everyone to join the movement to recycle, empower and transform.