The initiative also involves the federal Ministry of Labour
and Employment which identifies areas or communities where they can train
people and enhance their skill sets to be better employed and earn a living so
they can make an impact in their community.
The initiative termed ‘Rite on the Beach’ is a social
enterprise by Pop Beach Club, which sets up recycling ecosystems in coastal
communities that lack disposal infrastructure and have high rates of pollution
and poverty. Local youths are trained in green jobs, environmental services,
tourism as well as entrepreneurship to work in jobs created on the island and
other coastal areas of Lagos.
With ‘Rite on the Beach,’ social plastics are prevented from
getting into the ocean thereby stopping plastic wastes from destroying ocean
life. Collection locations are set up and indigenes of the communities are
employed to manage the ecosystems. The plastics collected are sent to the city
to be recycled and the proceeds are used to provide scholarship opportunities for
300 primary school students while creating green jobs for youths in the
community.
His Excellency, Mr. Alexander Ernst, Deputy Consul General
of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, who was also chairman at the
launch of the social enterprise commended Rite Foods Limited for promoting
initiatives that have huge impact and help communities strive for better lives.
“Rite Foods has really set a tone in terms of its corporate
social responsibility by not only increasing awareness but proffering solutions
to environmental waste, and I hope that other companies will follow suit,” Mr.
Ernst stated.
Akin Disu, Founder, Pop Beach Club, an eco-resort in Lagos
said at the event that Rite Foods are the wind behind the initiative’s wings.
“Rite Foods Limited is the wind beneath our wings. It is because of Rite Foods
we can do this because they underwrite the risks involved and allow such an
initiative easy for us to undertake,” Mr. Disu added. The convener also
explained further that the goal of the initiative is to go ‘plastic neutral.’
He therefore urged all stakeholders to emulate the initiative and go plastic
neutral for a healthier environment.
Mienye Mimi Badejo, Head, Migrant Resource Center and Deputy
Director, Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment, Lagos, lauded Rite Foods
for sponsoring the initiative. According to her, “Rite Foods is doing things
right. The company is identifying and bridging gaps by promoting a healthy
green environment and creating opportunities in coastal areas which every stakeholder
should key into. Dirt collected from the ocean and coastal areas can be used to
create art, recycle and create labor indices for future training,” she said.
She further stressed that such an initiative is needed to curb the growing
unemployment in the country, while also adding that it is a viable and green
initiative that encourages us to improve the planet, which are some factors for
irregular migration.
Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, Managing Director, Rite Foods Limited
reaffirmed the company’s commitment to causes that impact lives and
communities. According to him, ensuring a safe environment is a key area of
focus in his company’s corporate social responsibility footprint and the
company would continue to promote a healthy and safe environment while also
creating opportunities that make a significant impact in communities.
With ‘Rite on the Beach,’ Rite Foods Limited has
demonstrated its commitment to stop ocean plastic, increase literacy and
empower communities through employment. Throwing its weight behind the
initiative has helped in developing ecological awareness, creating jobs,
supporting grassroots education and driving economic development in
underprivileged communities around coastal areas in Lagos.