Paragraph 1: Unveiling the Climate Action SuperHeroes Youth Network
GreenHubAfrica Foundation, a prominent environmental sustainability media platform, has launched a groundbreaking initiative known as the Climate Action SuperHeroes Youth Network (CASH). This digital-first platform aims to train and empower a staggering 50,000 young changemakers in climate-smart innovation and circular-economy enterprises. The launch, a hybrid event held at the UN House in Abuja, coincided with the 2025 World Environment Day Exhibition (WEDex), a testament to the program’s timely relevance. CASH signifies GreenHubAfrica’s commitment to nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious leaders equipped with the skills and knowledge to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices.
Paragraph 2: WEDex: From Virtual Gathering to Global Movement
The 2025 WEDex marked a significant milestone, evolving from a virtual event during the COVID-19 pandemic to a powerful, in-person gathering. Originating in 2020 as a response to lockdown restrictions, WEDex has blossomed into a highly sought-after platform, featuring webinars, podcasts, and outcome capture sessions that have contributed to a documented blueprint for climate action. This year’s event, themed around plastic pollution and its impact, provided a forum for experts, stakeholders, and youth to discuss solutions and chart a course towards a more sustainable future. The transition from virtual to physical underscores the growing momentum and urgency of environmental action.
Paragraph 3: GreenHubAfrica’s Vision for a Greener Continent
Henry Bassey, the Founder and CEO of GreenHubAfrica Foundation, articulated the organization’s vision for a greener and more sustainable Africa. He highlighted the immense employment and empowerment opportunities embedded within the waste management value chain, emphasizing how youth engagement can drive economic growth while simultaneously protecting the environment. Recognizing the achievements of past participants in the CASH program, Bassey commended the 2024 Climate Action SuperHeroes school outreach top performers, who continue to demonstrate the practical application of the knowledge acquired through the initiative.
Paragraph 4: Tackling Plastic Pollution: A Collaborative Effort
The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including UN representatives, government officials, private sector leaders, and environmental experts, to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution. Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, underscored the UN’s support for Nigeria in combating plastic waste, highlighting its potential for job creation, private investment, and FDI inflows. He emphasized the need to reduce plastic leakage into the environment, a critical step towards achieving sustainable environmental protection. Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, President of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), pointed out the challenges in waste separation, collection, and distribution, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure and systems.
Paragraph 5: Innovative Solutions for Waste Management
The WEDex discussions extended beyond problem identification to exploring innovative solutions for waste management. Dr. Henry Inegbu, Executive Director of Operations at Family Homes Funds Limited, showcased technology-driven approaches to waste management in the real estate sector. He shared insights into training programs focused on utilizing plastic waste to create building materials like bricks and roofing, promoting affordable housing while simultaneously addressing waste reduction. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, emphasized the crucial role of multi-sector collaboration in achieving the 2030 target of reducing plastic pollution to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystems.
Paragraph 6: A Call to Action: Waste Management as an Emergency
The overall message emerging from WEDex 2025 was a resounding call to action. Stakeholders from various sectors unanimously agreed that waste management represents an urgent crisis demanding immediate attention and collective effort. The event served as a platform to not only raise awareness about the severity of the problem but also to showcase innovative solutions and inspire collaborative action. The emphasis on youth engagement through programs like CASH underscored the importance of empowering the next generation to become active participants in building a more sustainable future. The sentiment resonated throughout the event – waste management is not just a challenge, but an opportunity to foster economic growth, create jobs, and protect the environment for generations to come.
