Across Nigeria, young people are rethinking what it means to build a career — and in Oyo State, a quiet revolution is taking shape. It’s no longer about waiting for job openings; it’s about creating them. With government backing and the rise of purpose-driven enterprises like Planet 3R Limited, a new generation of innovators is transforming waste into opportunity.
In Ibadan, a group of 100 young graduates recently completed an intensive six-week training on waste recycling and sustainable production. What began as a skills workshop evolved into a powerful lesson on how creativity, when combined with environmental awareness, can spark economic transformation.
From Job Seekers to Solution Builders
Representatives of the Oyo State government urged the participants to see entrepreneurship as the new definition of employment. Rather than chasing positions in overcrowded industries, they were encouraged to build micro-enterprises that solve local problems — especially in sectors like recycling, manufacturing, and renewable innovation.
Government spokesperson Michael Ogunsina emphasized that the state’s focus has shifted from providing temporary relief to fostering long-term independence. “Our young people must see themselves not as job hunters, but as builders of the future economy,” he said.
Waste as the New Goldmine
At the heart of this movement is Planet 3R Limited, a sustainability enterprise driven by a vision to make waste profitable. Under the leadership of Adejoke Lasisi, the company demonstrates how environmental protection can coexist with business growth. Through collaborations with international partners and local agencies, Planet 3R trains young people to repurpose plastics, textiles, and tyres into everyday items — from fashionable bags and footwear to furniture and home décor.
The initiative shows that Nigeria’s waste problem is also a wealth opportunity waiting to be unlocked. By teaching practical skills, the project not only creates jobs but also nurtures a generation of eco-conscious entrepreneurs who see profit in preservation.
A Broader Commitment to Youth and Sustainability
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), represented by Iyabo Ojogbede, pledged continued support for emerging entrepreneurs through grants, business mentorship, and access to soft loans. According to her, the goal is to turn short-term training into long-term enterprises that feed local economies and inspire others to follow suit.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State government says it is aligning its development agenda with global sustainability trends by promoting waste-to-wealth projects, green businesses, and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Creativity on Display
The program’s exhibition segment highlighted the creativity born from necessity: recycled handbags, footwear, mats, and car seat covers, all locally made from discarded materials. Each item told a story of reinvention — of young minds proving that innovation doesn’t always need high-tech tools; sometimes, it starts with what others throw away.
Beyond Empowerment — A Movement
What’s unfolding in Oyo State goes beyond a single training program. It signals a broader cultural shift — one where youth empowerment, sustainability, and economic progress are no longer separate goals but intertwined forces shaping Nigeria’s future.
By turning waste into wealth, Oyo’s young entrepreneurs are redefining success — not by how much they consume, but by how creatively they contribute.
