As part of activities marking this year’s World Environment Day, Rite Foods Limited has intensified its environmental sustainability efforts by taking climate change and recycling awareness campaigns to students in Lagos State.
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The initiative, held at Opebi Grammar School, was aimed at educating students on climate change, responsible waste management, and recycling practices while encouraging them to become advocates for environmental sustainability within their communities.
Speaking during the programme, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, Mr. Ekuma Eze, said the company chose to engage young students because they are at a stage where positive environmental values can be effectively nurtured and sustained.
According to him, World Environment Day provides an important opportunity to raise awareness among younger generations and equip them with the knowledge needed to protect the environment for future generations.
Eze described climate change as one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, noting that rising carbon emissions and increased demand for modern conveniences continue to accelerate global warming.
“As societies become more developed, the demand for comfort increases. More vehicles, air conditioners, industrial activities, and other modern amenities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pressure,” he said.
He warned that rising global temperatures are becoming increasingly evident worldwide and called for urgent collective action to address the growing environmental crisis.
Eze further explained that oceans absorb a significant portion of the excess heat generated by global warming, but rising ocean temperatures continue to contribute to long-term environmental challenges, including sea-level rise.
He cited the rapid melting of glaciers and polar ice caps as clear indicators of climate change, warning that coastal cities such as Lagos could face serious environmental risks if current trends continue.
“The ice belts are melting, causing flooding and rising sea levels. If this trend continues, coastal cities like Lagos may experience major environmental challenges in the future. Protecting the environment must be a shared responsibility,” he stated.
The sustainability expert emphasized that educating children on environmental issues creates a ripple effect, as students often transfer the knowledge gained in school to their families and communities.
He also highlighted sustainability initiatives already adopted by Rite Foods, including the deployment of renewable energy solutions such as a solar farm at its manufacturing facility.
According to him, the company complements its solar energy usage with natural gas, a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels, while also utilizing environmentally friendly technologies, including electric forklifts instead of diesel-powered equipment.
“Our carbon footprint remains relatively low because of the cleaner energy sources and technologies we deploy. Sustainability also guides our procurement decisions, as we encourage our suppliers and partners to embrace environmentally responsible practices,” Eze added.
He noted that the company continuously monitors key sustainability indicators, including energy consumption, water efficiency, and waste management performance, as part of its commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Kazih Kits Limited, Dr. Chinedu Azih, said the programme was designed to encourage students to embrace recycling and adopt sustainable waste management practices through the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling materials.
Azih commended the students for their enthusiasm and growing awareness of environmental issues, describing their participation as a positive sign for the future of sustainability efforts in Nigeria.
He highlighted the long-standing partnership between Kazih Kits and Rite Foods, through which waste packaging materials are collected and transformed into useful products such as school bags.
According to him, the initiative supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including quality education, climate action, poverty reduction, and strategic partnerships.
Azih added that the recycling programme has also created income-generating opportunities for women in local communities who participate in the collection and processing of recyclable materials.
He explained that the recycled school bags are distributed alongside educational materials provided by Rite Foods to support learning and encourage school attendance.
The stakeholders stressed that partnerships that combine environmental education, recycling, and community empowerment remain essential in promoting sustainable development and tackling the growing challenges posed by climate change.
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