APM Terminals takes ‘Go Green’ campaign to Lagos schools

APM Terminals Apapa has taken its 2023 ‘Go Green’ campaign to schools in Lagos to promote environmentally sustainable activities and awareness.

The terminal, in its yearly “Go Green Campaign,” themed, “Healthy Ecosystem and Beating Plastic Pollution,” paved the playground of Army Children Primary School, Apapa, Lagos, with pavement blocks produced from recycled tyres.

The Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, said the terminal values its responsibility towards the environment, community and children very seriously.

He said the terminal, every year, uses the opportunity of its Go Green campaign to contribute to a sustainable future for all while giving back to the society.

“APM Terminals Apapa has remained committed to the Go Green Campaign since it was launched eight years ago, with its staff carrying out various activities including tree planting, removal of plastic wastes, clearing of refuse on port access roads and donation of waste bins,” he said.

Knudsen explained that in addition to beautifying the environment, trees help combat global warming, as they absorb carbon dioxide, as well as remove and store carbon, while releasing oxygen back into the air.

The pavement blocks, according to Knudsen, were made out of APM Terminals Apapa’s used tyres by a Nigerian firm named FREEE Recycle Limited.
The Procurement Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Chinyere Adenaike, expressed delight at the participation of the school children in the tree planting exercise.

Adenaike reiterated the terminal’s commitment to sustainability and the protection of the environment. She said addressing the impacts of plastic pollution requires improved waste management practices, effective plastic recycling systems, public awareness campaigns and policy interventions.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of FREEE Recycle Limited, Ifedolapo Runsewe, commended APM Terminals Apapa for taking the lead in reducing solid waste in the country.

She said Army Children Primary School, Ashanti Barracks, is one of the 10 schools selected for the paving of their playgrounds with recycled blocks.

The Head Teacher of the school, Dorothy Okafor Ucheta and the Education Secretary of Apapa Local Government, Fausat Olawepo, both expressed gratitude to APM Terminals for paving the school playground and inculcating a useful lesson in the pupils, which they can turn waste to wealth.