L-R: (Nestlé Nigeria Plc team members): Uchechukwu Olisah, Category Activation Manager; Lois Nweke, Corporate Affairs Specialist; Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead; Josue Mbassi, Country Controller; Fumilola Oyewole, MILO Sports Activation Manager; Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager; and Charles Ikpe, Category Development Manager.
By Peace Udugba
More than 60,000 pupils across 100 primary schools in Lagos State recovered over one million used MILO wrappers under the MILO Elevate Recycling Initiative, launched to commemorate World Environment Day 2026.
The initiative combined sustainability education with a school-based recycling competition aimed at promoting responsible waste management among children. Besides collecting used wrappers, pupils received lessons on environmental stewardship, recycling, and the principles of a circular economy.
For 26 years, MILO has supported youth development through grassroots sports programmes. With the Elevate Recycling Initiative, the brand is extending its commitment beyond sports by fostering environmental consciousness and sustainable habits among children.
Speaking during the awards ceremony held to mark World Environment Day, Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, said the programme reflects the company’s broader vision of raising responsible future leaders.
“At MILO, we believe that nurturing children includes helping them build the values, habits and mindset needed to thrive and make a positive contribution to society. Through the Elevate Recycling Initiative, we are encouraging children to understand that small everyday actions can create meaningful environmental impact. Just as we have inspired generations of future sports champions, we are proud to contribute to raising future climate champions,” he said.
Also speaking, Deputy Director of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Stephen Avoseh, said schools provide an effective platform for instilling environmental responsibility in children and extending such awareness to families and communities.
“Implementing this initiative through schools creates an opportunity for children to learn about environmental responsibility and share these lessons with their families and communities.
Schools play an important role in building lasting awareness and positive environmental habits,” Avoseh said.
The programme also had a significant impact on participating pupils. One of the beneficiaries, Treasure John, said the initiative enhanced her understanding of how improper waste disposal contributes to pollution and flooding, while encouraging her to adopt more responsible waste management practices.
In a demonstration of circularity and resource recovery, Rotaract District 9112 spearheaded an upcycling project that transformed the recovered wrappers into 1,013 items, including school bags, lunch bags and pencil cases. These items were distributed to participating schools and presented to outstanding pupils.
According to Nestlé Nigeria, the success of the Elevate Recycling Initiative underscores the importance of deepening environmental education and promoting responsible waste management practices among children and communities. The initiative also aligns with the company’s broader sustainability and circularity agenda aimed at fostering the awareness, values and behaviours necessary to protect a cleaner and more sustainable future.
