More than 60,000 pupils across 100 primary schools in Lagos have recovered over one million used MILO wrappers as part of the MILO Elevate Recycling Initiative, organised to mark World Environment Day 2026.
The initiative, led by Nestlé Nigeria Plc through its MILO brand, combined sustainability education with a school-based recycling competition aimed at instilling environmental responsibility among young learners.
Blending Education with Action
Participating pupils were not only involved in collecting used wrappers but were also taught practical lessons on responsible waste management, recycling processes, and circular economy principles.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria, said the programme reflects the brand’s broader vision of child development beyond sports.
“At MILO, we believe nurturing children includes helping them build the values, habits and mindset needed to thrive and make a positive contribution to society.
Through the Elevate Recycling Initiative, we are encouraging children to understand that small everyday actions can create meaningful environmental impact,” he said.
Schools as Catalysts for Change
Also commenting, Stephen Avoseh, Deputy Director at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), highlighted the role of schools in shaping environmental awareness.
“Implementing this initiative through schools creates an opportunity for children to learn about environmental responsibility and share these lessons with their families and communities,” he noted.
From Waste to Useful Products
In a practical demonstration of recycling and reuse, Rotaract District 9112 led an upcycling project that transformed the recovered wrappers into 1,013 reusable items, including school bags, lunch bags, and pencil cases.
These items were distributed to participating schools and awarded to top-performing pupils, reinforcing the concept of turning waste into valuable resources.
Pupils Reflect Behavioural Impact
Some participating pupils also shared how the initiative influenced their environmental awareness.
One pupil, Treasure John, said the programme helped her understand how improper waste disposal contributes to flooding and pollution, while encouraging her to adopt more responsible habits.
Driving a Circular Future
For over 26 years, MILO has supported youth development through grassroots sports programmes. The Elevate Recycling Initiative represents an expansion of that commitment—focusing on environmental education and sustainability.
Organisers say the programme aligns with Nestlé Nigeria’s broader sustainability agenda, aimed at promoting responsible waste management and building a circular economy through education, behavioural change, and community engagement.
