In a country where over 18 million children are out of school and waste management is a significant challenge, one activist is making a difference. Kilaso Emmanuel, founder of Securecycle Environmental and Climate Change Initiative (SECCI), is transforming used jeans into school bags for underprivileged children.
Through his innovative approach, he is not only providing essential educational resources but also promoting sustainable practices and addressing Nigeria’s severe waste management problem.
By recycling old jeans into high-quality school bags, Kilaso is supporting vulnerable students and encouraging environmental stewardship. His initiative has already reached over 200 students, and he plans to expand his impact through the launch of Green Hive, an innovation hub focused on achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through his nonprofit organization, Securecycle Environmental and Climate Change Initiative (SECCI), Emmanuel is not only promoting sustainable practices but also providing essential educational resources to those who need them most.
“Imagine growing up in a boisterous city yet relegated to the back seat of society. I could recall a brilliant pupil from a dysfunctional family who faced financial difficulties due to her parents’ limited capacity; this made it hard for her to get educational materials such as school bags and books that are vital for her studies,” Emmanuel said, recalling the inspiration behind his initiative.
Emmanuel’s passion for sustainability began at a young age, inspired by his father’s work as an agriculturalist.
He went on to study geology and earth sciences at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), where he met like-minded individuals who shared his enthusiasm for environmental causes.
In 2019, he founded SECCI, which has since become a driving force for climate action and advocacy in Nigeria.
The Jeans to Bag project, launched by SECCI, has already made a tangible impact, with over 200 students benefiting from the recycled bags.
Emmanuel’s team collects old jeans, recycles them into high-quality bags, and distributes them to students in need.
“We gave her the bag and monetary support,” Emmanuel said, referring to a beneficiary of the program. “Recycling should be the order of the day, and we must do all we can to support underserved children.”
This initiative not only helps reduce waste but also provides a sustainable solution to the country’s severe waste management problem, ranked among the worst in the world by the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy in 2023.
“Nigeria was among the 30 worst countries for indiscriminate waste disposal in the world,” Emmanuel noted.
Emmanuel’s efforts have been recognized both locally and internationally, with speaking engagements in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and India.
He has also partnered with organizations such as Teach for Nigeria, HH Muhammad Sanusi Initiative, Lagos Business School, and the Ogun State Government to amplify his impact.
Despite facing challenges such as cultural beliefs and limited resources, Emmanuel remains committed to his cause. “People are hesitant to donate their old or worn-out jeans due to cultural beliefs that we might use them for evil purposes. But the situation is gradually improving with our constant enlightenment programmes for them,” he explained.
Through his work, Emmanuel is inspiring a new generation of young people to take action against climate change and promoting sustainable development practices.
“Children and youths are our primary focus, as we empower them to be better custodians of nature and promoters of sustainable development practices”.
“Beyond these challenges, we need to stand for two things: our environment and education. This is what I hope to do more”, he added.
