From bustling Wuse Market in Abuja to the shores of Alpha Beach in Lagos, hundreds of Nigerians joined hands on Saturday, November 29, 2025, to tackle plastic and waste pollution in a sweeping environmental cleanup exercise.
The effort, spearheaded by Sterling One Foundation in collaboration with Sterling Bank, Sunbeth, government agencies, and partner organizations, underscored the power of community-led action in restoring Nigeria’s environment.
The initiative, aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action, spanned 17 states and brought together environmental experts, youth groups, and government representatives to remove waste, promote recycling awareness, and advocate for responsible disposal practices.
Tunde Akande, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank, Abuja, highlighted the importance of local involvement: “Maintaining a clean and safe city depends heavily on sustained local participation. The effort in Abuja, where residents and institutions work hand-in-hand, truly embodies communal responsibility and environmental pride.”
Echoing this sentiment, Engr. Braimah Osilama, Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, represented by Omenta Rachael Chinenye, noted that “This partnership-driven initiative is vital for long-term environmental progress. We deeply appreciate the volunteers’ commitment because lasting change requires continuous education, community engagement, and strong institutional support.”
At the Lagos beach cleanup, Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank, praised the collective effort: “The collective energy from residents and stakeholders is inspiring. Sterling Bank remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that protect public spaces and elevate the quality of life in Nigerian communities. Our Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) program has thrived for over a decade, and we will continue prioritizing environmental sustainability in all our actions.”
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, reflected on the nationwide impact: “This nationwide effort is a powerful demonstration of what Nigerians can achieve when united by purpose. We are proud of every volunteer across the country; each act of service, big or small, shapes a cleaner and healthier future for Nigeria. The Foundation is committed to deepening environmental awareness, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring ongoing action.”
Across all 18 locations, volunteers collected plastic waste, cleared debris, and participated in awareness sessions on recycling, waste sorting, and responsible disposal practices.
Sterling One Foundation, a registered non-profit, continues to tackle the root causes of poverty in Nigeria and Africa through interventions in health, education, climate action, and food security.
With gender equality and women’s empowerment integrated across its programmes, the Foundation emphasizes partnerships as a central theme in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).