Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC) has taken a significant stride in promoting environmental sustainability and circular economy principles among students in Lagos State, Nigeria. Through its 2024 Sustainability Week, culminating in the Green-Skill Schools Challenge, SBC has not only rewarded innovative student projects but also fostered a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and responsible waste management. The initiative, themed “Championing Circular Economy in Our Business and Communities – The SABI Way,” reflects SBC’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its core operations and extending its impact to the wider community. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between corporations, educational institutions, and government bodies in tackling pressing environmental challenges.
The Green-Skill Schools Challenge, held at SBC’s Ikeja manufacturing plant, provided a platform for students to showcase their ingenuity and commitment to environmental sustainability. From an initial pool of 330 applications from schools across Lagos, 18 finalists were selected to present their projects. These projects demonstrated the students’ ability to transform waste materials into valuable resources, exemplifying the principles of a circular economy. The challenge not only rewarded the students’ creativity but also instilled in them a sense of responsibility towards environmental protection. This hands-on experience provides a valuable learning opportunity, encouraging students to think critically about waste management and its impact on the environment.
The competition culminated in the awarding of substantial cash prizes to the top three schools, totaling N5 million. This financial support serves as a significant incentive for schools to prioritize environmental sustainability and integrate it into their curriculum. Beyond the top prizes, consolation prizes of N1.5 million were distributed among the remaining participating schools, ensuring that all participants received recognition for their efforts. Furthermore, each participant received a grant of N110,000, generously provided by SBC, Zenith Bank, and the Lagos Waste Management Academy. This funding will enable students to further develop their skills and knowledge through a Green Skill Scale-Up Bootcamp.
The Green Skill Scale-Up Bootcamp, organized in partnership with prominent organizations, represents a crucial component of SBC’s sustainability initiative. The bootcamp will provide students with comprehensive training in waste management, green skills, and environmental entrepreneurship. Partner organizations, including Fate Foundation, LAWMA Academy, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and Green Hub Africa, bring their expertise to the program, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful learning experience. This collaborative approach strengthens the initiative’s effectiveness and ensures its long-term sustainability.
High-ranking government officials commended SBC’s efforts in promoting environmental sustainability and youth education. Titi Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into youth education and praised SBC’s proactive role in this area. Similarly, a representative of the Commissioner for Education lauded SBC’s commitment to environmental sustainability, highlighting the importance of equipping students with the necessary skills to combat waste pollution. This recognition from government officials underscores the significance of SBC’s initiative and its potential to contribute to broader environmental goals.
SBC’s Sustainability Week extended beyond the Green-Skill Schools Challenge, encompassing a range of activities aimed at promoting environmental consciousness within the company and the wider community. An internal green competition across SBC’s nine manufacturing regions fostered a culture of sustainability within the company, with the Ilorin, Ikeja, and Ibadan plants receiving recognition for their respective initiatives in biomass alternative fuel, cart recycling, and water efficiency. Furthermore, SBC distributed waste segregation bins to schools and markets, promoting responsible waste management practices at the community level. This holistic approach demonstrates SBC’s commitment to embedding sustainability principles across all aspects of its operations and extending its positive impact to the broader society.
