By Abbas Nazil
Rite Foods Limited has strengthened its environmental sustainability drive by extending climate change and recycling awareness campaigns to students in Lagos, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day.
The programme, held at Opebi Grammar School, Lagos, focused on educating students about climate change, responsible waste management and recycling practices, while encouraging them to champion environmental protection within their schools and communities.
Speaking during the event, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Ekuma Eze, said the company deliberately targeted young people because they are at a stage where positive environmental values can be effectively developed and sustained.
He explained that World Environment Day provides an opportunity to instil environmental consciousness in future generations and equip them with the knowledge needed to protect the planet.
According to Eze, climate change remains one of the most pressing global challenges, driven largely by increasing carbon emissions and growing demands associated with modern lifestyles.
He noted that while nature has systems for maintaining environmental balance, human activities have accelerated global warming far beyond historical levels experienced before industrialisation.
Eze said increasing dependence on vehicles, air conditioners, industries and other modern conveniences has intensified environmental pressure and contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
He warned that rising temperatures are becoming more evident worldwide and called for urgent collective action to reduce the long-term impacts of climate change.
The sustainability advocate further explained that oceans currently absorb much of the heat trapped within the Earth’s climate system, but rising ocean temperatures indicate growing environmental stress.
He noted that even if carbon emissions were stopped immediately, heat already stored in the oceans would continue contributing to sea-level rise for many years.
Eze identified the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps as visible indicators of climate change, warning that rising sea levels pose significant risks to coastal communities, including Lagos.
He stressed that environmental protection requires shared responsibility and deliberate actions to secure a sustainable future for coming generations.
The company executive also highlighted energy consumption, agricultural activities, livestock-related methane emissions and bush burning as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
He disclosed that Rite Foods has incorporated sustainability into its operations through renewable energy initiatives, including the installation of a solar farm at its manufacturing facility.
According to him, the company supplements solar power with natural gas, which is considered a cleaner energy source than conventional fossil fuels.
He added that Rite Foods deploys environmentally friendly technologies such as electric forklifts and integrates sustainability considerations into procurement processes, encouraging suppliers to adopt responsible environmental practices.
Eze further revealed that the company regularly monitors energy use, water efficiency and waste management performance as part of efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Kazih Kits Limited, Dr. Chinedu Azih, said the initiative was designed to encourage students to embrace recycling through the principles of reducing, reusing and recycling waste materials.
He praised the enthusiasm shown by students and described it as evidence of growing environmental awareness among young people.
Azih highlighted the collaboration between Kazih Kits and Rite Foods, through which waste packaging materials are collected and transformed into useful products such as school bags.
He stated that the initiative supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to quality education, poverty reduction, climate action and partnerships for sustainable development.
According to him, the programme also creates income-generating opportunities for women involved in collecting and processing recyclable materials.
He added that recycled school bags, distributed alongside educational materials provided by Rite Foods, help support learning and encourage school attendance.
Azih maintained that partnerships that combine environmental education, responsible waste management and community empowerment are essential for advancing sustainable development and addressing the growing threat of climate change.
