RITE FOODS AND POPBEACH CLUB LAUNCH "RITEONTHEBEACH" FESTIVAL SEASON FOUR

Rite Foods Limited, in collaboration with Popbeach Club, has officially launched the 2024 edition of the ‘Riteonthebeach’ Festival, marking its fourth year. The event kicked off on Monday, 11th November 2024, in Lagos, with a Symposium targeting students from tertiary institutions in the faculties of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Law. The Symposium aimed to raise awareness about ecological preservation and the vital role it plays in sustaining the environment.

A cross section of participants at the Riteonthebeach Festival 2024, held in Lagos, on Monday, 11th November 2024

This year’s festival introduces the 'Riteonthebeach' Residency program, which focuses on the environmental and developmental value of plastic recycling. Through scientific data collection, the festival seeks to provide a realistic valuation for the importance of saving the Lagos Western Peninsula and its surrounding mangrove forests, addressing ocean plastic pollution and fostering sustainable solutions.

From Left: Dennis Aideloje, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Manager, Rite Foods Limited; with Jette Bjerrum General Consul Kingdom of Denmark;  Michel LH Deelen, Consul General, Kingdom of the Netherlands; Sandra Vermuijten - Alonge Head of Programme, GIZ ZME - Centers  for Migration and Development; Aholu of Kwame Kingdom Oba Sejiro James; and Alayeluwa Oba, Abdul Hakeem Abisogun OniIlashe, of Ilashe; during the 2024 Riteonthebeach Festival championed by Rite Foods Limited, held on Monday, 11th November 2024, in Lagos.

The partnership between Rite Foods and Popbeach Club, a Lagos-based Eco-Resort, is designed to combat ocean plastic pollution while promoting literacy and creating employment opportunities. The initiative encourages the exchange of waste plastic for recycling and offers education scholarships to children in shoreline communities.

Mr. Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Rite Foods, represented by Dennis Aideloje, emphasized Rite Foods’ commitment to addressing the plastic waste crisis and equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle climate change challenges. Eze pointed out that the accumulation of plastics in waterways and shorelines jeopardizes the environment's capacity to absorb carbon and support biodiversity, highlighting the need for immediate action to keep these areas free from plastic.

From Left: Aholu of Kwame Kingdom Oba Sejiro James; with Michel LH Deelen, Consul General, Kingdom of the Netherlands; Akintunde Disu, Founder Riteonthebeach Initiative; Alayeluwa Oba, Abdul Hakeem Abisogun OniIlashe, of Ilashe; and Dennis Aideloje, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Manager, Rite Foods Limited; during the 2024 Riteonthebeach Festival championed by Rite Foods Limited, held on Monday, 11th November 2024, in Lagos.

Akin Disu, Founder of Popbeach Club, shared that the new initiative will process waste plastics onsite, using blockchain technology for transparency and efficiency. He added that through data and technology, ‘Riteonthebeach’ aims to determine a realistic valuation for the region and generate the necessary capital to foster sustainable growth. Disu also noted the importance of eco-tourism and carbon accountability, aligning with Lagos State’s goals toward carbon neutrality.

Since its inception, the ‘Riteonthebeach’ project has removed approximately 30 tons of plastic waste and created over 1,000 jobs, scholarships, and training opportunities for youths in coastal communities. The initiative continues to drive positive change through collaboration, community engagement, and a focus on ecological preservation and sustainable development.