Tola Adeoye
In a bid to tackle Ibadan’s growing waste management crisis and create economic opportunities for disadvantaged youths, Tola Adeoye, the founder of Adto Recycling and a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, has launched a transformative initiative aimed at training young people in waste management and recycling.
With Ibadan’s population exceeding three million, the city’s waste disposal systems are under severe strain, leading to mounting environmental and public health hazards. Determined to turn this challenge into an opportunity, Adeoye embarked on a mission to educate and empower young people, equipping them with practical skills, environmental awareness, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the recycling sector.
Through community-driven workshops and awareness campaigns, Adeoye has trained over 250 youths across Ibadan in key areas of sustainable waste management, including:
✅ Waste segregation for efficient recycling
✅ Composting to reduce organic waste
✅ Plastic waste recycling for repurposing materials
✅ Sustainable disposal techniques to minimize pollution
By providing hands-on training, Adeoye ensures that participants not only understand the urgency of proper waste management but also gain the necessary expertise to implement practical, scalable solutions in their communities Waste Into Wealth
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Beyond environmental awareness, Adeoye is also championing economic empowerment. Youths in the program are encouraged to collect recyclable materials such as plastics, glass, metal, and paper, which can be processed into new products. This approach not only fosters environmental responsibility but also creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation within the expanding recycling industry.
One of the program’s beneficiaries, Michael Taiwo, shared his experience:
“I have learned so much about recycling and waste management. Now, I plan to venture into the raw materials segment of the plastic waste recycling business.”
Adeoye envisions a future where waste is not seen as a burden but as a valuable resource, driving economic growth and environmental preservation. His model of youth empowerment through recycling aligns with global sustainability efforts seen in cities like Bogotá and Accra, where grassroots recycling initiatives are reshaping communities.
At a time when climate change and environmental degradation threaten our planet, Adeoye’s work serves as a beacon of hope, proving that local action can create global impact. By empowering young people with knowledge and skills, he is not only cleaning up Ibadan but also building a sustainable, prosperous future for generations to come.
