GreenHubAfrica Foundation has launched the Climate Action SuperHeroes (CASH) Youth Network, a digital-first platform aimed at training and empowering 50,000 young changemakers in climate-smart innovation and circular economy enterprises.
The unveiling took place at a hybrid event hosted at the UN House in Abuja to commemorate World Environment Day Exhibition (WEDex) 2025.
“Our vision is for a greener and more sustainable continent,”
— Henry Bassey, Founder/CEO of GreenHubAfrica
Bassey emphasized the employment and empowerment opportunities in the waste management value chain and stressed the economic benefits of youth engagement in environmental sustainability.
He also recognized the top performers from the 2024 CASH school outreach, commending their continued demonstration of knowledge gained through the programme.
According to Bassey, WEDex began as a virtual event during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown but has now evolved into a movement, celebrating five years of impactful engagement. The platform features webinars, podcasts, and outcome-capture sessions, producing a blueprint for climate action that reflects both young and older voices.
From Event to Movement
“Today, WEDex 2025 stands not merely as an event, but a movement—a bold expression of action and accountability,”
— Henry Bassey
He noted that WEDex has matured into a high-level engagement that fosters practical reforms by unpacking thought leadership ideas to address complex environmental challenges.
Bassey also appreciated support from partners, including:
- UN Nigeria (past and present Resident & Humanitarian Coordinators)
- Sterling One Foundation
- IHS Towers
- Other key stakeholders
Global Partnerships & Solutions
Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in tackling plastic pollution. He highlighted that plastic waste accounts for 13% of Nigeria’s total waste and, if properly managed, could drive mass employment, private sector investment, and reduce environmental degradation.
Efegbidiki Okobia, President of NES, emphasized the gap between waste separation, collection, and distribution, identifying it as a critical challenge to effective waste management.
Henry Inegbu, Executive Director of Operations at Family Homes Funds Limited, discussed technology-driven waste solutions in real estate. His organization is training individuals to use plastic waste in the production of bricks, roofing, and other building materials, contributing to affordable housing solutions.
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, spoke on the foundation’s long-term collaboration with Sterling Bank to address plastic pollution. She stressed the need for multi-sector collaboration to meet the 2030 targets for reducing plastic waste and preserving biodiversity.
“In our various spheres, let us take charge,”
— Olapeju Ibekwe
Chuka Uroko
Senior Analyst – Real Estate, BusinessDay