In celebration of World Environment Day, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Green-Hub, in partnership with Keystone Bank, hosted an environmental sustainability programme for student entrepreneurs on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium Foyer.
Welcoming participants to the Greenpreneur Programme, the Coordinator of the UNILAG Green-Hub, Mrs. Omolara Olanrewaju, explained that the initiative was designed to help students transform eco-friendly ideas into viable and sustainable businesses. Throughout the programme, students were introduced to a range of growth opportunities, including a green business pitch competition, a recycling career clinic, mentorship sessions, and incubation support.
Keystone Bank Launches ‘Involve’ Initiative
Highlighting the financial sector’s role in advancing sustainability, Mrs. Ifeoma Onianwa, Unit Head of Inclusive Banking at Keystone Bank, introduced “Involve,” a specialised banking product designed for students. According to her, the initiative provides financial literacy training, entrepreneurship support, scholarships, incentives, and skills acquisition opportunities.
Mrs. Onianwa encouraged students to pitch their green business ideas, assuring them of the bank’s commitment to supporting outstanding proposals.
Further reinforcing this commitment, Mr. Martins Ejiegbu, Unit Head of SME Banking at Keystone Bank, commended UNILAG Green-Hub for the strategic partnership. Citing the growing global transition towards a green economy, he urged students to explore the commercial potential of reusable and recycled products.
According to him, Keystone Bank is committed to providing micro-loans, business development resources, and training to help student-led enterprises scale, particularly in the areas of tyre, plastic, and biomass recycling. He also advised aspiring entrepreneurs to identify a specific sustainability niche, establish formal business structures, and leverage banking services to support business growth.
Turning Waste into Wealth
The programme featured a practical upcycling workshop where students learned how to transform discarded plastic paint buckets into stylish stools, facilitated by an industry expert, Mrs. Sidiqoh Matesun-Raji, Founder, Green Matex. The session showcased the economic potential of creative recycling as everyday waste materials, combined with foam and decorative tape, were converted into functional pieces of furniture.
“It is not waste until you waste it,” the facilitator told participants, underscoring the hidden value embedded in discarded materials and the opportunities available within the circular economy.
Inspiring a Circular Economy
Sharing her entrepreneurial journey, Miss Zainab Abike Kadiri-Lawal, Chief Executive Officer of Zannytecture Recycling Company Ltd., delivered a presentation on the theme, “Turning Waste into Wealth.”
She explained how her company promotes a circular economy while creating green jobs through the conversion of discarded tyres and PET bottles into eco-friendly furniture and urban art installations.
Miss Kadiri-Lawal revealed that her passion for sustainability began during her Ordinary National Diploma (OND) studies at Yaba College of Technology. Now certified in upcycling and waste management, she has successfully combined entrepreneurship with environmental advocacy.
She encouraged aspiring student entrepreneurs to remain focused, stay alert to environmental challenges within their communities, and continually seek innovative ways to transform those challenges into sustainable business opportunities.
Report: Oluwatoyin Ojo-Alo
Photograph: Samuel Dosumuel
