Rite Foods takes environmental education to schools

As part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day, Rite Foods Limited has engaged students in practical environmental education, tree-planting, and recycling awareness programmes across Lagos and Ogun states, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

The firm brought together students, teachers, and community stakeholders at Opebi Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos, and Moslem Primary School, Ososa, Ogun State, to promote environmental responsibility, sustainable living, and circular economic practices among young people.

The company announced this in a statement on Saturday obtained by The PUNCH.

According to the statement, the initiative featured interactive sustainability sessions with students and teachers focused on proper waste management, recycling, water conservation, and environmental stewardship.

“Students also participated in tree-planting exercises designed to encourage afforestation and carbon dioxide capture and instil a lifelong commitment to protecting the environment,” the statement read in part.

Speaking during the programme tagged ‘Plant the Future’, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods Limited, Ekuma Eze, stressed the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and values needed to address environmental challenges.

According to him, climate change remains one of the most pressing issues facing the world today, making it imperative for organisations, communities, and individuals to take deliberate actions that safeguard the environment.

“Environmental sustainability begins with awareness and responsibility. By catching them young and teaching them the importance of protecting the environment, they become ambassadors of positive change within their homes and communities. We must therefore take intentional steps today to ensure we leave a healthier planet for future generations,” said Eze, who further highlighted Rite Foods’ broader sustainability agenda, including its recently launched Waste-Is-Naira initiative in partnership with RecyclePoints.

He explained that the programme enables residents to exchange used plastic bottles and beverage cans for cash while promoting responsible waste management and advancing circular economy practices.

Also speaking at the event, the Health, Safety and Environment Manager at Rite Foods Limited, Timilehin Ajibola, emphasised the strong link between environmental sustainability, community development, and long-term business growth.

“Our goal is to remain in business for the next century and beyond. Achieving that requires collective responsibility in protecting our environment through simple actions such as conserving water, disposing of waste properly, and planting trees that will benefit future generations. A healthy environment creates healthier communities, supports learning, and contributes to sustainable economic development,” he stated.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of Kazih Kits Limited, Dr Chinedu Azih, explained that recycling offers practical solutions to environmental challenges while unlocking opportunities for social impact.

“Many of the materials people discard every day still have economic and social value. Through innovation and recycling, plastic bottles and product wrappers can be transformed into school bags and other useful products that support education, reduce pollution, and contribute to a more sustainable future,” she said.

Commending the initiative, the head teacher of Moslem Primary School, Ososa, Lawal Oladele, described environmental education as vital to raising responsible future citizens.

The World Environment Day outreach reflects Rite Foods Limited’s firm commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility framework covering education, youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and community development, while reinforcing the company’s belief that real climate action begins with awareness, education, and collective responsibility.