In commemoration of the 2025 World Environment Week, leading telecommunications provider Airtel Nigeria has mobilised communities in six states across the country in a determined campaign to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable environmental practices.
The initiative, themed #UnPlasticAfrica, reached its climax on June 11 with a large-scale clean-up exercise at the Elegushi Model Market, Jakande, Lekki, Lagos. Supported by Ecobarter Company, a social enterprise focused on circular economy solutions, the campaign united Airtel employees, market traders, government officials, and local leaders in a spirited show of community-driven environmental responsibility.
The Elegushi clean-up marked the final stop in a week-long environmental outreach that saw similar activities held at Bodija Market in Oyo State, Oba Market in Benin City, Edo State, Wuse Market in Abuja, Artisan Market in Enugu State, and Yankaba Market in Kano State. Each market benefitted from waste collection exercises, public sensitisation campaigns, and the distribution of reusable bags and parasols with #UnPlasticAfrica branding to encourage behaviour change and align with the Lagos State ban on single-use plastics.
Speaking during the Lagos event on behalf of Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, the company’s Director of Corporate Communications & CSR, Femi Adeniran, emphasised the role of grassroots participation in fostering a cleaner, healthier Nigeria.
“True environmental care starts with action—keeping our gutters and surroundings clean and ensuring that plastic waste never finds its way into our canals and waterways,” Adeniran said. “The Elegushi market community has shown remarkable leadership by welcoming this initiative. We believe this effort will spark a ripple effect across communities, igniting nationwide commitment to sustainable living.”
The clean-up exercise saw Airtel employees working hand-in-hand with local traders, sweeping, sorting, and disposing of plastic waste. Large refuse bins were installed to promote waste segregation, while awareness sessions helped traders understand how daily habits can support—or harm—the environment.
In a show of gratitude, Elizabeth Afolabi, Secretary of the Elegushi Model Market Traders’ Association, who represented the Iyaloja of the market, Simbiat Ronke Lawal, praised Airtel for what she described as a “timely and impactful intervention.”
“We want to thank Airtel Nigeria and all the volunteers for coming to our market to help clean and support us,” Afolabi said. “This has really helped us and made our market a better place. We are incredibly happy and promise to sustain what you have started here today.”
The campaign began on June 4 with an internal seminar for Airtel employees led by CEO Dinesh Balsingh. It culminated in a practical demonstration of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, highlighting Airtel’s growing role in corporate social responsibility and climate-conscious initiatives across Nigeria.
As the World Environment Week ends, Airtel’s efforts serve as a rallying call for more corporate organisations, communities, and individuals to take deliberate action toward ending plastic pollution—one market, one street, one community at a time.
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