General News
Airtel Promotes Plastic Reduction at Employee Session to Mark World Environment Day
Telecommunications network, Airtel Nigeria marked World Environment Day by hosting an insightful session aimed at educating employees on the practice of tackling plastic pollution. The event was held on Tuesday, 4th June, 2024, at Airtel Head office, Banana Island, Lagos.
Carl Cruz, Chief Executive Officer at Airtel Nigeria, represented by Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, stated in his introductory remark that Airtel believes in leading by example, and has taken deliberate measures to ensure that the organization promotes a healthy environment.
“In line with this year’s global theme of “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”, we are drilling down to focus on plastic reduction, waste disposal, and recycling, which are critical to achieving the goals being set by the global theme. These are not just environmental issues; they are pressing challenges that require immediate attention.
By reducing our plastic usage, managing waste efficiently, and embracing recycling, we can significantly lessen our environmental problems,” he remarked.
Environmental scientist and advocate Dr. Eugene Itua, who served as the facilitator at the event, shared insights on the pertinent strategies to adopt in combating plastic pollution.
His presentation covered a wide range of topics, ranging from the history of plastic use, the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment and human health, and potential solutions to mitigate the pressing issue of plastic pollution.
“As the population grows, so does plastic waste. Since the 1950s, plastic use has become a norm, leading to the pervasive issue of micro plastics. These tiny particles, resulting from the degradation of plastic bottles left in the sun, enter our bodies through the food, water, and drinks we consume, thereby posing threats to our health,” he said.
Dr. Eugene further stressed the urgent need to take a paradigm shift from the traditional “take, use, and dispose” approach to a more sustainable “reuse, recycle, reorient and diversify” principle, embodying the circular economy.
He concluded by urging Airtel employees to take proactive steps to prevent plastic pollution and safeguard the environment. In his words “To tackle the challenge of plastic pollution, we must adopt practices such as recycling and reusing. Without action, the average flow of plastics into the ocean is projected to triple by 2040.”
According to Airtel, several other activities have been put in place to encourage plastic reduction and proper waste management. These activities include strengthening of policies to ensure responsible plastic use within the company, organizing of clean-up initiatives and educational seminars, internal sensitization on reusable alternatives and responsible disposal of plastic items, and utilization of social media and SMS campaigns to educate customers about plastic waste management.
The world environment day event reflects Airtel Nigeria’s dedication to fostering environmental awareness and sustainability within its corporate culture and the broader community. In line with this commitment to the broader community, the organization is set to commission a facility newly constructed for the Green Fingers Foundation, a Non-Governmental organization dedicated to environmental protection and wildlife conservation.
Young Nigerian tech genius, Oluwatobi Oyinlola, has developed the world’s smallest GPS tracking device, a prototype measuring just 22.93 x 11.92 mm.
Recognised by the Guinness World Records, the device was created at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, on April 27, where he is employed as a researcher.
It has been hailed for its potential across industries, from logistics and personal safety to medical devices and wildlife monitoring.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated the feat in a post on X, praising Oyinlola for showcasing the ingenuity of the West African country’s youth. “You have just shown the world that Nigerian youth can!” he wrote.
Adding to the accolades, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, lauded the innovation as a symbol of national pride and technological potential.
He commended Oyinlola’s journey, noting his early support for the young inventor’s IoT startup. “Long before this global recognition, I had the privilege of backing Oluwatobi. His journey, now continuing at MIT, is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential of our people,” Tijani said.
The prototype not only marks a leap in miniaturised technology but also highlights Nigeria’s growing footprint in global innovation. Bosun added that as Nigeria intensifies efforts to nurture homegrown tech talent, Oyinlola’s success is a beacon for the next generation of innovators.
“The world is only beginning to see what you’re capable of,” said the Minister.
Africa is becoming a global hub for solar energy development. The commercial and industrial sectors are driving this trend, with photovoltaic systems being installed on-site at businesses, educational institutions, and government facilities to meet energy demands.
This is according to CBi-electric: low voltage, which manufactures and supplies low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment.
2.5 gigawatts-peak (GWp) of solar capacity was built across Africa in 2024, with 194.34 GWp expected in 2025, according to the company.
Dr. Andrew Dickson, engineering executive of CBi-electric: low voltage, outlines how several reasons are hastening the continent’s transition to solar. “Energy poverty remains a major issue across Africa, with reliable grid electricity reaching only 14% of Zimbabweans, for example.”
He goes on to say that inconsistent power supply is another significant contributor, stating that “Persistent nationwide blackouts are affecting countries like Botswana, disrupting day-to-day operations. And in hydro-electric dependent countries such as Zambia, climate change is reducing water levels, leading to lower electricity generation and higher prices.”
Dickson believes that strategic system design and management are critical to realising the full potential of solar energy on the continent.
He said: “As Africa’s solar energy market continues to expand in 2025, organisations have an opportunity to capitalise on its long-term benefits. With the right technologies and safeguards in place, solar is not only a clean energy solution it’s a strategic asset that pays off.
“By combining surge protection, DC breakers, and monitoring tools, businesses can reduce unexpected costs, minimise downtime, and extend the life of their investment.”
Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a major initiative to train over 200,000 Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, aiming to build a digitally skilled workforce and position Nigeria as a continental leader in AI-driven innovation.
The announcement was made by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, during the 10th Annual Symposium and Awards of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter, held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja.
AI’s Role in Sustainability and Economic Growth
Chief Nnaji, represented by Dr. Patricks Oghuma, Special Assistant to the Minister, emphasized the transformative power of AI, particularly when integrated with chemistry to address sustainability challenges.
“We are at the intersection of a revolution where artificial intelligence and chemistry converge to create new frontiers,” he stated. “This powerful synergy offers a vision of the future where innovation and sustainability work hand in hand”.
He also highlighted the gap between scientific research and real-world application, stressing the need for transformational research that directly solves real-world problems through AI.
Academic and Industry Collaboration
The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, noting that AI’s ability to model, predict, and optimize is vital for reducing waste, conserving energy, and enhancing chemical processes.
“At NOUN, we remain committed to providing accessible, technology-enhanced education that directly addresses national and global challenges,” Prof. Peters said.
The symposium gathered key stakeholders in science, technology, and academia, focusing on leveraging AI to drive sustainable solutions and calling for stronger collaboration between research institutions, industry, and government.
Building a Knowledge-Driven Economy
Prof. Edu Inam, Chair of the ACS Nigeria Chapter, reinforced the society’s commitment to research mentorship and student engagement, noting that ACS continues to host campus events and outreach programs aimed at nurturing young scientific minds.
The initiative is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s AI adoption, fostering economic growth, sustainability, and technological advancement across multiple sectors.
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