In a bid to promote sustainable environmental practices, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited has launched an electronic waste transformation initiative in partnership with environmental solutions firm Umpaya and the Rotary Club of Akowonjo, District 9111.

The programme, which kicked off earlier this year, began with in-house sensitization sessions on the hazards of electronic waste. Hydrogen staff then donated end-of-life devices such as laptops, phones, and household electronics. For every item collected, Umpaya pledged to plant a tree, creating what the partners describe as a “device-for-tree” exchange that turns digital waste into environmental value.

Speaking on the initiative, Head, Marketing and Communications, Hydrogen, Obinna Ojekwe, said the project reflects the company’s belief that innovation and environmental stewardship can coexist.

“By turning discarded devices into living trees, we are demonstrating that innovation can be both digital and environmental. This is not a one-time effort, Hydrogen is committed to making e-waste management a continuous journey and inspiring the financial services industry to embrace responsibility for the planet,” he said.

As part of the project’s rollout, Hydrogen led a tree-planting exercise recently, at the Lagos Airport Hotel, where over 25 trees, including palm, coconut, and tujar varieties, were planted. The trees are expected to absorb carbon dioxide, reduce greenhouse gases, and generate carbon credits, thereby contributing to climate action, biodiversity, and community food security.

Co-founder of Umpaya, Ifeanyi Ochije, emphasised that recycling electronics is about more than waste disposal.

“Recycling electronics is about creating value, protecting communities, and safeguarding our climate future. By linking e-waste recovery to tree planting, we are building a tangible connection between responsibility and impact,” Ochije said.

To ensure the sustainability of the effort, the Rotary Club of Akowonjo, District 9111, donated gardening tools and maintenance equipment to support the nurturing of the planted trees. The club’s president, David Aimuihenyefe, described the trees as enduring symbols of environmental responsibility.

“These trees will not only stand as symbols of environmental stewardship but will also contribute to healthier ecosystems and better livelihoods for years to come,” he stated.