The founder and Chief Executive Officer of African Clean Up Initiative, Dr. Alexander Akhigbe, honored an invitation from Honorable Okey Joe Foundation on 30th January 2026 to come speak to Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II constituents on a theme "Waste To Wealth: Turning Environmental Problems Into Economic Opportunities" at the Foundation Center.
Dr. Alexander Akhigbe, popularly known as "AlexGreat", is a famous advocate of sustainable development goals (SDGs) across Africa. With over 15 years of promoting environmental responsibility and circular economy, Dr. Akhigbe has touched lives in Nigeria and abroad through his projects like "RecyclesPay Educational Project", Africa's first initiative that enables parents in low-income communities to pay school fees using recyclable materials such as sachet water, nylons, cans, and PET bottles.
During his session with constituents of Oshodi-Isolo, Dr. Akhigbe narrated his humble beginning at Ajegunle and how his desire for living a fulfilled life changed his career path.
"Those who see me now will think I was born with a silver spoon, which is not correct. I was born and brought up in Lagos, a popular slum, Ajegunle. I grew up in the midst of dirt and waste. After my tertiary education, I got a job at Promasidor. I moved with the company from Apapa to Isolo, where they are now. Even though I was receiving a good salary, I constantly felt a hole within me, as if there's something I'm not doing or getting right. My quest to fill the hole made me discover my passion to effect change in my surroundings. So, I mobilized youth in Ajegunle, where I grew up, and conducted my first clean-up there. After the exercise, I discovered I love working with people. And because the impact of our exercise was significant, we proceeded to a community in Mushin, and the rest is history," he said.
He further stated, "God may not give you the whole picture, but make sure you start one first. And know that there's no competition in this thing. It all depends on how far you want to go. You can start your recycling business at your house first. And to make a great impact, change the mindset that recycling is only for lowlifes in society. Most of the people in the recycling business are big men with lots of properties. All you have to do is take a step."
Honorable Sandra Paul, 2025 YPP Councilorship Candidate from Oshodi-Isolo Constituency, admonished Honorable Okey Joe to do more good deeds, while charging all Nigerians to participate in the upcoming election.
"I am so happy to attend this program. And I thank Honorable Okey Joe for bringing such an eye-opening program to his constituents. I just learned how money can be made through recycling waste. Holding a program like this in January shows how thoughtful the Honorable is. At least it will mitigate the urgent need for begging for ₦2000 and small money. Leaders like Honorable Okey Joe need to be voted in again. And we can't do that by staying home. I implore all Nigerians to participate fully in the coming election. It is by our participation that we can retain good representatives and vote out bad ones."
Mr. Asobi Peters, one of the attendees, exhorted the Honorable for bringing such a life-changing opportunity to his constituents.
He said, "Honorable Okey Joe is a praiseworthy representative in Nigeria. Aside from his meritorious service at the National House of Assembly, he has over time brought palliatives and life-changing projects to his constituency. Imagine, just by attending this session, I now have an idea for a side business. A side business that will keep my environment clean while also bringing in money. Kudos to Honorable Okey Joe"
The Ambassador for Peace with the United Nations POLAC, Dr. Alexander Akhigbe, in an interview with WINGLESS' reporter, appreciated the Program Director, Mrs. Uche Ofomata, and the entire team for giving him the opportunity to impart knowledge on the constituents of Oshodi-Isolo and pledged to keep tabs on the development of all attendees willing to explore the recycling business.
"I appreciate Honorable Okey Joe, the sitting House of Representative of Oshodi-Isolo, and Mrs. Uche Ofomata, the Program Director, and all other members of the Foundation for inviting me to this program. There's nothing as joyful as imparting knowledge for me. And through the SABI Empowerment Cooperative, my organization will constantly check the progress of all attendees willing to explore the recycling business, while also helping them with funding and more guidance."