Sahara Group Foundation has commissioned its 15th Go Recycle hub in Ijede, Lagos, advancing its commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment.
The hub marks another milestone in the Foundation’s campaign to build circular economies and foster livelihoods across Nigeria.
Hub Launch Signals Bold Step for Circular Economy
Sahara Group Foundation, the impact arm of Sahara Group, officially opened the Ijede Go Recycle Hub in Ikorodu on October 7, 2025. This move furthers the Foundation's proven record in catalysing waste recovery and economic value for local communities. The new hub, strategically placed opposite the General Hospital, expands its 15 sites across Lagos.
The announcement was made at an on-site commissioning, attended by key stakeholders including executives from Sahara Group, Egbin Power Plc, Ikeja Electric, the Vice Chairman of Ijede Local Government, EcoBarter, community chiefs, and residents.
Technology, Partnerships, and Economic Empowerment
Designed to accelerate a circular economy, the Go Recycle programme lets residents exchange plastics, paper, cartons, and cans for incentives. Since its inception, Sahara’s network has collected over 500 tonnes of waste and paid out more than 50 million Naira to over one thousand households, transforming the recycling narrative from mere environmental duty into a pathway for jobs and healthier communities.
Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, stated, “The new Ijede hub is not only about environmental sustainability; it redefines waste as value, building resilient communities that can lead the charge for change. Every bottle, can, or piece of paper recycled is a step closer to cleaner streets and stronger livelihoods.”
The Foundation worked closely with Egbin Power Plc, Ijede LCDA, and EcoBarter to establish the hubs. Roseline Idehai, EcoBarter’s representative, explained, “Our partnership turns waste into opportunity, where people can now use waste as currency and earn value, creating a ripple effect of community-led impact.”
Public Health, Climate Action, and Opportunity
The new hub’s impact reaches beyond waste collection. According to Hon. Kabir Femi Kareem, Vice Chairman, Ijede Local Government, the hub is “vital for Ijede residents, turning environmental sustainability into real value creation. Waste becomes a resource, creating jobs, improving public health, and reducing greenhouse gases.”
According to High Chief Mustapha Lasisi, Baale of Ipakan, noted that the hub is “a vital contribution to well-being and local livelihoods.” Council Manager Mrs Ayodele Michael Oluwakemi urged households to sort waste and take it to the hub, building a cleaner, greener Ijede.
The model is simple but powerful. Where community members drop off recyclables at convenient locations, exchanging them for cash and incentives while reducing landfill and pollution. The Foundation’s EXTRApreneurship approach stresses building sustainable ecosystems through active partnerships.
Call for Replication and Ongoing Engagement
With sites already established in areas such as Agege, Festac, and Navy Town, residents are encouraged to join the network and see responsible waste management as both a civic duty and an economic opportunity. “We are one step closer to a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” said Menakaya, reaffirming plans to scale further across Lagos and Africa.
As the campaign grows, Sahara Group Foundation continues to advocate for collaborative climate action, transparent reporting, evidence-driven impact reporting, and meaningful community engagement.
The Path Forward
Sahara Group Foundation’s Go Recycle initiative is rapidly transforming waste from a problem into a dynamic, data-driven solution, anchoring sustainability, community empowerment, and ESG action for a new generation of climate-smart African cities.
