Rite Foods empowers 2,000 Lagos, Ogun, Abuja pupils with educational materials

… restates commitment to promoting friendly learning climate

Rite Foods has empowered 2,000 pupils in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja public schools, in celebration of Children’s Day. The educational materials donated to the schools include school bags and exercise books aimed at supporting pupils in underserved communities in their academic journey.

In the firm’s drive to promote education and ensure no child is deprived education rights10 schools across Lagos and Ogun States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja benefited from the largess.

Ekuma Eze, head of corporate affairs and sustainability at Rite Foods disclosed that the initiative is the company’s way of ensuring children are empowered and encouraged, emphasising the firm’s commitment to sustainability and youth development.

“Our corporate social responsibility programme is symbolic of the role children play in nation-building. By encouraging education and sustainability, we are shaping a generation that understands the value of learning and environmental stewardship,” said.

Ismail Ganiyu, head of human resources at Rite Foods, speaking at the event said, “As part of our commitment to education and youth development, we’re proud to support our future leaders with materials that aid their academic growth.”

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Chinedu Azih, managing director of Kazih Kits, Rite Foods technical partners in producing the school bags said, “This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when corporate leadership aligns with grassroots innovation. Turning waste into hope for 2,000 children is both impactful and inspiring.”

Azih highlighted the project’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Idris Olakunle, head teacher at Moslem Primary School, Ososa, applauded the company’s generosity and wished them continued success.

Similarly, Kehinde Dare, the chairman of the School-Based Management Committee of Kosofe LGA in Lagos State, expressed gratitude, affirming that the firm’s action demonstrates a genuine concern for the educational development of Nigerian children.

Reaching the unreached

The outreach focused on underserved public schools in Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory. Over 700 school bags were handed out in Lagos alone, with the initiative reaching a total of 2,000 pupils across five schools.

“We chose public schools because this is where the need is greatest,” Eze said. “Many of these children come from homes where basic school supplies are a luxury.”

The programme, held recently in Lagos, is part of Rite Foods’ broader sustainability campaign and is in collaboration with Kazih Kits, a local enterprise with expertise in circular economy solutions.

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From Nylon Wraps to School Bags

Each bag was crafted from used materials, including wrappers from Rite Foods’ products, Bigi Water, Bigi Cola, and Sosa beverages. The process involved collecting discarded nylon wraps and straws, which were then cleaned, processed, and repurposed into waterproof school bags at Kazih Kits’ factory, which operates under a Lagos State textile-from-waste license.

Azih said, “We don’t just make school bags, we make statements that waste can be wealth that the future is circular, and that climate action starts with our daily choices.”

Changing young minds

Rite Foods sees education as the starting point for long-term behavioural change. “We want to catch them young,” Eze said. “When a child carries a school bag made from recycled waste, it becomes a conversation starter at home. That’s how the culture of sustainability begins, at the grassroots.”

This year’s project follows a 2024 pilot in Ilaje, Lagos, and has now expanded nationwide. “Incrementally, we’re increasing our reach.

“Our goal is to ensure every child knows they matter, to us, to the planet, and to the future,” Eze said.

School administrators and education authorities welcomed the project with emotion and gratitude. Babatunde Shittu, secretary of Kosofe Local Government Education Authority, who was represented, said, “We are thankful. Next year, we want you back. You’ve made a lasting impact, and we pray your company continues to grow from strength to strength.”

Rite Foods stressed its commitment to make it a continual event, when Azih said, “As long as we exist, no waste should go to the landfill, we’ll keep collecting. We’ll keep creating.”

With climate concerns on the rise and waste management remaining a national challenge, the initiative shows how corporate action can inspire social change, and how discarded wrappers can carry a message of hope on a child’s back.