According to the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), Nigeria ranks ninth globally in plastic pollution, generating a staggering 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Alarmingly, only 12% of this waste is recycled, leaving a staggering 88% to choke waterways, harm marine life, and devastate the environment.
As the country grapples with this plastic pandemic, innovators like Adejoke Lasisi are pioneering sustainable solutions by recycling nylon and textile waste materials into eco-friendly products. SONIA OKERE reports
Who is Adejoke Lasisi?
She is a Nigerian fabric designer from Ibadan. She stated that her passion for weaving was ignited by her mother, a skilled textile designer. So, by the age of nine, Adejoke had already learnt the art of weaving. However, as she grew older, she decided to pursue her academic interests.
Adejoke attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Passionate about entrepreneurship, she also earned a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from the Enterprise Development Centre, Lagos. After completing her education, she founded Jokelinks Asooke & Weaving School, where she transforms threads into beautiful woven fabrics generally known as aso-oke. These fabrics are then crafted into fashion items such as bags, clothes, hats, shoes, adornments, and more.
The birth of the Planet 3R Initiative
While working as a fabric maker, Adejoke made an observation in her community that led to an innovation. Reflecting on her experience, she said:
“While growing up in my community, I saw that there was no proper waste management system. A lot of people dumped their refuse by the roadside, and whenever it rained, these wastes were flushed into the drainage. As a result, we frequently experienced drainage blockages and flooding. At that point, I decided to use the weaving skills I had acquired from my mother to convert the nylon and textile wastes into eco-friendly products. So, that was how the Planet 3R Initiative was born in 2020.”
Since its founding, the organisation has successfully collected an impressive 980,352 kilogrammes of recyclable waste, including discarded pure water sachets, nylon bags, and old clothes, from the streets. These materials are then repurposed into eco-friendly products ranging from fashion accessories to home décor.
I saw that there was no proper waste management system in my community. I decided to use my weaving skills to convert the nylon and textile wastes into eco-friendly products
Becoming a single parent
While Adejoke was achieving great success in her career, life took an unexpected turn when she became pregnant out of wedlock. This challenging period could have easily overshadowed her accomplishments, but instead, it became a defining moment of resilience and growth. While reflecting on her experience, she said:
“I was 30 years old when I discovered I was pregnant out of wedlock. When I shared the news with my ex-boyfriend, he made it clear that he wasn’t interested in the pregnancy, nor was he ready for marriage. This left me at a crossroads, where I took one of the most challenging decisions of my life. Coming from a highly religious background, I was known for upholding strong morals, and many parents hoped their daughters would emulate me. I was the pride of my parents, but when they learnt about my mistake, they were deeply disappointed.
With the help of my mother, I moved from Ibadan to Lagos to stay with my aunt. But within two weeks, I grew tired of being away from my work. My usual routine was going to my weaving studio, attending to clients, and participating in events. Despite being away, I kept receiving orders for fabrics and had to manage my business over the phone. However, I wasn’t comfortable and kept wondering if things were being done correctly. So, after some weeks, I packed my bags and returned to Ibadan.
I was 30 years old when I discovered I was pregnant out of wedlock. I accepted my reality and took charge of my life
“As my pregnancy became noticeable, people began asking questions, and those who couldn’t ask me directly resorted to gossip. There were days when I cried my eyes out, but eventually, I came to realise that crying wouldn’t change what had happened. I had to accept my reality and took charge of my life. Despite being pregnant, I kept working hard, applying for business grants, scholarships, and exhibition opportunities. Fortunately, I won some of those opportunities, and that marked the beginning of my career breakthrough.”
Challenges of single parenting
Everyone knows that single parenting can be a daunting task. In most cases, both the parent and child may struggle with feelings of isolation, shame, anxiety, and many more.
While sharing her journey as a single parent, Adejoke added: “After my son was born, there were times when I felt overwhelmed and miserable, but as time went on, I started seeing my child as a blessing in disguise.
“Realizing that I was solely responsible for him gave me strength and resilience. I also understood that if I had hidden away in shame, my business might have crumbled. Being a single mother is, undeniably, challenging, but my joy comes from knowing that God has never forsaken me on this journey. Now, seven years later, I’m growing stronger and achieving even greater goals.”
Awards and recognitions
Adejoke and her business organisations have earned numerous awards, grants, and recognitions over the years. In 2019, she received a grant award from former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, through the NYEES platform and was also selected as a delegate at the Youths Connekt Summit.
many people only see the beautiful results, not the struggling process
The following year, she received a recognition from ex-President Mohammed Buhari as one of Nigeria’s Top 5 Young Innovators. In 2021, she was recognised by the Ooni of Ife as a Southwest MSME Ambassador.
Adejoke also won the Commonwealth Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards in 2023, and just recently, she represented Nigeria at the UNESCO Africa Week in Paris.
The struggles before stardom
While reading through Adejoke’s story, some people might assume she achieved all her accomplishments effortlessly. But that’s not the case. While sharing her failures and struggles, she said:
“There was a time I encouraged a mentee not to give up, and she said I wouldn’t understand what she was going through because everything seemed to be going well for me. When she said that, I just smiled. The truth is that many people only see the beautiful results, not the struggling process! Now, let me take you through my series of failures.
“In school, I failed massively. Yes! I wrote WAEC and JAMB three times before I could secure admission. While in university, my dad, a NITEL staff member, wasn’t paid for many months, so I had to start selling pure water, eggs, and noodles just to survive. Since I was doing business, I couldn’t fully concentrate on my academics, which led to plenty of carryovers. I ended up having an extra year in school and graduating with a third-class honors. Tell me, who would have employed me with such a result?
Today, I get nominated for opportunities, and even the ones I didn’t apply for, I got them
“Immediately after NYSC, I started my weaving business. But was it easy at the beginning? No! I didn’t get customers for months. There was a time I had no funds and kept applying for grants and opportunities, but my applications were repeatedly rejected. All these experiences moulded me into who I’ve become.
“Today, I get nominated for opportunities, and even the ones I didn’t apply for, I got them. I have won grants worth millions of naira and I have taught many business owners how to apply for such opportunities. What about the all-expenses-paid trips to international events? All these were possible because I refused to give up on myself.
“So, in conclusion, my advice would be: don’t start any career or business just because someone else is prospering in it. Identify your strength and focus on building it. Laziness is a deadly disease; avoid it. If you fail despite working hard, don’t give up. Keep exploring new options and pushing forward, and before long, you’ll have a success story to share.”
