Sahara Group Foundation Launches 16th Sahara Go Recycling Hub To Boost Environmental Sustainability, Economic Empowerment

<em>L-R: Foluso Sobanjo, Director Downstream Africa, Sahara Group; Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation; Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Director Sahara Group; Eniola Folami, Head Commercial, Asharami Synergy; Dr Tony Youdeowei, Board Trustee, Sahara Group Foundation and MD Sahara Power Group</em>

Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact arm of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 16th Sahara Go-Recycling Hub in Lekki, Lagos State, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment.

The new hub, strategically located in Lekki, expands the Foundation’s recycling footprint and builds on the success of 15 existing hubs across Lagos.

Notably, it is the first Sahara Go-Recycling Hub to feature a solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), a significant step toward integrating clean energy and technology into community recycling solutions.

The Sahara Go-Recycling initiative promotes a circular economy by reducing waste, enhancing resource recovery, and empowering residents with opportunities to earn income from recyclables.

Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, said: “The launch of the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub goes beyond environmental responsibility, it represents a new path for innovation, economic opportunity, and community resilience. By integrating clean energy solutions like the solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine, we are demonstrating how innovation can strengthen environmental responsibility while improving quality of life. This hub is a testament to what is possible when we combine commitment with action, and it sets the stage for even greater impact across the communities we serve.”

The event was attended by Executive Director of Sahara Group, Director, Downstream Africa, Sahara Group, Sahara Group Foundation Board Trustees, Asharami Synergy Management team, executives and representatives of Sahara Group, Asharami Synergy, Egbin Power Plc, as well as other dignitaries, traditional leaders and community members.

Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Executive Director, Sahara Group, remarked, “The success of the Lekki Sahara Go-Recycling Hub is a powerful reminder that sustainable change happens when communities, technology, and purpose come together. This hub is not just collecting recyclables, it is inspiring new habits, creating economic value, and proving that cleaner, greener cities are possible when we all play our part. We are proud of what this hub represents and even more excited about the impact it will continue to make across Lagos and beyond.”

Dr Anthony Youdeowei, Board Trustee, Sahara Group Foundation and MD Sahara Power Group, commended the collaboration between Sahara Group Foundation, Asharami Synergy, the Sahara Group 2025 Graduate Management Trainees, and Eco Barter, describing the hub as reflective of our belief that sustainability must be practical, accessible, and community driven.

Representing the 2025 Sahara Group Graduate Management Trainees, Elushade Oluwatumininu stated that, “As Graduate Management Trainees, being part of the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub project through our PSCR project has been a meaningful way to live out Sahara’s sustainability values.

“Seeing the hub’s impact from promoting recycling habits to empowering the community, reinforces how small actions can drive real change. We’re proud to be part of this initiative.”

Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 650 tonnes of recyclable waste and facilitated payouts exceeding ₦55 million to beneficiaries.

The program has positively impacted more than 1200 households, creating alternative income streams, supporting livelihoods, and reinforcing environmental sustainability.

Rita Idehai, CEO Eco Barter, added: “Our partnership with the Sahara Group Foundation on the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub demonstrates the power of collaboration in accelerating sustainable change. Together, we are creating a system that rewards responsible disposal, supports local livelihoods, and brings technology-driven recycling closer to the community. We are proud to work with a partner that shares our vision for a cleaner, smarter, and more circular future for Lagos.”

Reiterating Sahara Group Foundation’s vision, Chidilim Menakaya added, “The Sahara Go Recycling project is creating a ripple effect across Lagos, enabling households and communities to see value in responsible waste management. Through strategic partnerships, we are amplifying impact and building sustainable ecosystems for future generations.

“At Sahara Group Foundation, we believe in EXTRApreneurship, building sustainable ecosystems through collaborations that inspire change. With Ijede now part of our network, we are one step closer to a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” she concluded.

Sahara Group Foundation plans to expand the Go Recycling Initiative to more communities in Lagos and across Africa, reinforcing its mission of “Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship.”