MILO Inspires Young Climate Champions as Lagos Pupils Recover Over One Million Wrappers
More than 60,000 pupils from 100 primary schools across Lagos State have recovered over one million used MILO wrappers through the MILO Elevate Recycling Initiative, a sustainability-driven programme organised to commemorate World Environment Day 2026.
The initiative combined environmental education with a school-based recycling competition, encouraging children to actively participate in waste recovery while learning the importance of responsible waste management, recycling, and circular economy practices.
The programme marks another milestone in MILO’s long-standing commitment to youth development. Having spent 26 years nurturing young talents through grassroots sports programmes, the brand is now extending its impact beyond athletics by helping children cultivate environmental consciousness and sustainable habits.
Speaking at the World Environment Day awards ceremony, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the initiative reflects the brand’s broader vision of nurturing well-rounded future leaders.
“At MILO, we believe that nurturing children includes helping them build the values, habits, and mindset needed to thrive and contribute positively to society. Through the Elevate Recycling Initiative, we are teaching children that simple daily actions can make a significant environmental difference. Just as we have inspired generations of sports champions, we are proud to play a role in raising future climate champions,” he said.
Also speaking, Stephen Avoseh, Deputy Director of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), praised the programme for leveraging schools as platforms for environmental awareness.
“Implementing this initiative through schools provides children with an opportunity to learn about environmental responsibility and share these lessons with their families and communities. Schools remain vital in shaping lasting environmental values and positive behavioural change,” he said.
Participants said the programme had a meaningful impact on their understanding of environmental issues. One of the pupils, Treasure John, noted that the initiative helped her appreciate the consequences of improper waste disposal, including pollution and flooding, while motivating her to adopt more responsible waste management practices.
In a practical demonstration of circularity and resource recovery, Rotaract District 9112 spearheaded an upcycling project that transformed the recovered wrappers into 1,013 useful items, including school bags, lunch bags, and pencil cases. The products were distributed to participating schools and presented as rewards to outstanding pupils.
The success of the MILO Elevate Recycling Initiative underscores the growing importance of environmental education in fostering sustainable behaviours among young people. It also aligns with Nestlé Nigeria’s broader sustainability agenda aimed at promoting circularity, reducing waste, and building a cleaner, greener future for communities across the country.