Henkel, global manufacturers of industrial and consumer goods, has empowered children and communities in Ibadan, Oyo State, with its “Make an Impact on Tomorrow (MIT) initiative, ‘Project Waste-to-Wealth’.
The Managing Director of Henkel, Nigeria, Mr Rajat Kaput, on Wednesday in Lagos, said that the programme, meant to commemorate the MIT’s 25th anniversary, would drive sustainability.
He said that the MIT was launched in 1998 for employees and retirees of the company.
He said the programme had become a momentous occasion for the company to showcase a vital component of its Corporate Citizenship activities.
Kaput said the company firmly believes that investing in education and environmental stewardship at grassroots level would yield long-lasting results.
“As a socially-responsible corporate citizens, we recognise the significance of sustainable development and are committed to supporting initiatives that promote environmental consciousness.
“We would continue to strengthen community relationships with local stakeholders and demonstrate our dedication to creating a positive impact beyond our business operations.
“Through ‘Project Waste to Wealth’, we hope to inspire these young minds to adopt eco-friendly habits and foster a sustainable future,” Kaput said.
Mrs Chidera Akwuba, Transformation Manager, Henkel Nigeria, said the company, through events like MIT day, strives to create a positive impact, promote sustainability, and empower the younger generation with the necessary skills to build a better future.
Akwuba said the primary objective was to educate underprivileged children in public primary schools about the importance of sustainability and empower them to become catalysts for positive change.
She said to successfully deliver the initiative, Henkel Nigeria partnered with GWETO, an NGO, and the Waste Museum, to impact the lives of 100 primary school children in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Akwuba said that the children were taught to create art and crafts using recyclable items, fostering creativity while instilling a sense of environmental consciousness.
“Through Project ‘Waste to Wealth’, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation to adopt sustainable practices and take steps towards a greener future,” she said.
The Assistant Head Teacher, IMG Basic Special School Ibadan, Mrs Ganiyat Alabi, commended the company for its consistency in training the children over the years.
She said that this was not the first time Henkel Nigeria was doing an educational training, describing the initiative as very great for the development of children.
“We are very grateful to Henkel for these commitments because these pupils are special children, and they are always eager to practice what they learnt,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Henkel’s employee’s dedication has resulted in it donating money running into millions of Naira, facilitating more than 17,000 volunteer programmes and engaging approximately 10,000 volunteers globally.
The company, with its brands, innovations and technologies, holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria