It’s a proud moment for Nigeria’s climate and circular economy movement as the Chief Executive Officer of Atunlo, Anita Odiete, has been named one of three global finalists for the prestigious PET Heroes 2025 Award, powered by adaPETation®, Evertis, and Selenis.

The award celebrates bold innovators building regenerative solutions to the plastic crisis, and Odiete’s nomination places Nigeria at the forefront of the global sustainability stage.

Under her leadership, Atunlo has evolved from a grassroots recycling initiative into one of Africa’s most dynamic circular economy enterprises. With over 100 million plastic bottles recycled, 8,000+ green jobs created, and more than 2.3 million kg of CO₂ emissions saved, the company has combined environmental impact with economic empowerment at scale.

Atunlo’s Lagos expansion, which includes door-to-door plastic collection via electric tricycles, is one of the key innovations that earned Odiete this global recognition. The model reduces emissions, increases access in underserved communities, and creates dignified green jobs in one of Africa’s most populous cities.

“This nomination is a powerful validation of our mission and momentum,” Atunlo said in a statement. “Anita’s leadership continues to inspire new possibilities for what circular solutions can look like in Africa — inclusive, scalable, and deeply local.”

The PET Heroes Prize, now in its third edition, will award €10,000 to the winner to help scale their solution. Public voting plays a role in the final selection process.

To support Odiete’s nomination, the public is encouraged to vote online via Atunlo’s official platforms: Instagram: @atunlosustech, and LinkedIn: Atunlo.

As the world races toward more sustainable, circular systems, leaders like Anita Odiete and platforms like adaPETation® remind us that solutions already exist. They simply need to be seen, supported, and scaled.