The STL Capital Group, in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority, has sensitised traders at the popular Oyingbo Market in Lagos to the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.
The sensitisation done in commemoration of World Environment Day 2025 was themed ‘Recycle and Revive’.
The exercise was designed to raise awareness about the environmental and health hazards of indiscriminate plastic disposal, in line with this year’s global theme: ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of STL Asset Management, Ahmed Banu, stated that the campaign reflects the Group’s commitment to sustainability and its broader corporate social responsibility.
“This was about finding meaningful ways to give back,” he said. “We asked ourselves how we could contribute to a cleaner environment while promoting awareness. The World Environment Day gave us the perfect opportunity to align with a cause that affects us all.”
He emphasised that improper plastic disposal continues to damage ecosystems and communities, calling on citizens to adopt better habits.
“Plastic pollution has become a serious threat. We’re encouraging everyone to be more intentional about disposal. Recycling isn’t just a necessity; it’s a way to transform environmental harm into something positive,” Banu explained.
Executive Director of STL Trustees, Akin Oni, reinforced the message, citing the alarming levels of microplastics found in human systems due to poor waste management.
“We use plastics every day, and many don’t think twice before discarding them. But the impact is far-reaching, from aquatic life to human health. Recycling helps reduce these risks and keeps our environment cleaner,” Oni said.
He urged citizens to see environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility: “We owe it to the planet and future generations to leave behind a healthier environment. Education is key, and that’s why we’re here to help people understand how they can be part of the solution.”
The campaign also highlighted the economic benefits of recycling. LAWMA officials demonstrated how waste collectors, especially young boys, generate income by selling recyclable plastic. More importantly, proper waste handling helps prevent blocked drainage and urban flooding.
“What people call waste can actually create value,” one of the LAWMA officials said. “And when we recycle, we don’t just clean our streets; we empower people economically and protect our infrastructure.”
STL’s sustainability outlook is rooted in the ‘Three Ps’: People, Planet, and Profit—a framework the Group uses to measure its impact and guide its environmental strategy.
Though this is STL’s first public campaign tied to World Environment Day, the organisation has previously contributed to Lagos State’s urban renewal through street beautification, gardening projects, and community clean-up efforts.
“This is our first direct public outreach on waste education,” Oni said. “But we’ve always been involved in environmental management, from beautifying public spaces to supporting green initiatives.”
STL Capital Group pledged to sustain its advocacy, stressing that collaboration between corporate entities, government agencies, and the public is vital to long-term environmental progress.
