Lagos Coastal Cleanup: Rite Food’s ‘Riteonthebeach’ Initiative Transforms Lagos Shorelines

By Salifu Faridat

Rite Foods Limited, a prominent player in Nigeria’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, has taken commendable proactive measures to safeguard the aquatic ecosystems along the Lagos shoreline communities.

In a strategic partnership with Popbeachclub, an eco-resort committed to environmental conservation, they unveiled the ‘Riteonthebeach’ initiative in August 2021.

This initiative is primarily geared towards the removal of plastic waste from the beaches, and it has achieved remarkable success in this endeavor, having successfully cleared more than 180,000 plastic pieces from the coastal areas to date.

However, ‘Riteonthebeach’ is more than just a cleanup effort; it serves as a catalyst for local community involvement in plastic waste management.

The initiative encourages residents to actively participate in plastic collection and establishes efficient recycling systems, which not only contribute to the preservation of the environment but also generate employment opportunities for the local populace.

Importantly, the funds generated through these initiatives are channeled towards providing much-needed school supplies to children residing in the Lagos shoreline communities, underscoring its holistic approach to community development.

Furthermore, this initiative brings attention to the critical role of wetlands in the Ilado area of Lagos State. These wetlands serve as crucial habitats for migratory birds and function as essential fish nurseries. Sadly, these vital ecosystems are under duress due to the twin threats of plastic pollution and sand dredging.

Seleem Adegunwa, the Managing Director of Rite Foods, expressed the unwavering commitment of the company to preserving aquatic life and championing sustainable environmental practices.

He eloquently stated, “We are deeply committed to fostering innovation, championing sustainability, and contributing to a cleaner environment through collaborative efforts.”

Akin Disu, the Founder of Popbeachclub, emphasized the importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of plastics and their potential for recycling.

He passionately urged individuals to actively collect plastics from the environment, thereby preventing their disposal in sensitive wetlands, thus safeguarding the fish and migratory birds that inhabit these regions.

Additionally, Disu highlighted an inspiring initiative where school children in coastal areas bring 22 plastic bottles, collected by their parents, to school daily, with those collecting the highest number of plastics in a term receiving scholarships.

Moreover, women in the community are actively engaged in processing these bottles as part of a job creation initiative.

He called for the widespread adoption of such practices, not just in coastal areas but also in urban centers, to combat environmental pollution by source-separating plastics and ensuring their recycling.

The “Riteonthebeach” initiative, which is primarily focused on the cleanup of plastic waste from Lagos coastal communities, offers a plethora of benefits:

• Environmental Preservation: Its foremost advantage lies in the preservation of the environment, with a particular emphasis on coastal areas and fragile wetlands. By effectively removing plastic waste from these locations, the initiative plays a pivotal role in safeguarding aquatic life, including fish and migratory birds, while also upholding ecological equilibrium.

• Plastic Pollution Reduction: With over 180,000 plastic pieces removed from coastal regions, the initiative contributes significantly to the reduction of plastic pollution, which has far-reaching detrimental effects on both the environment and wildlife.

• Community Engagement: ‘Riteonthebeach’ stands as a beacon of community engagement, motivating local residents to actively partake in plastic waste collection. This engagement not only ensures a cleaner environment but also empowers communities to take ownership of their surroundings.

• Job Creation: The establishment of recycling and plastic waste processing systems creates valuable job opportunities, particularly for women involved in the processing of collected bottles. This economic empowerment directly benefits the local population.

• Education and Scholarships: The initiative’s involvement in providing school supplies and scholarships to students based on their plastic collection efforts promotes education and fosters environmental awareness among the younger generation.

• Sustainable Practices: By emphasizing the value of plastics and the critical importance of recycling, ‘Riteonthebeach’ actively promotes sustainable practices, thereby reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.

• Public Awareness: Initiatives such as “Riteonthebeach” are instrumental in raising public awareness about the detrimental consequences of plastic pollution on the environment and wildlife. They serve as a catalyst for individuals and communities to adopt responsible waste management practices.