FREEE Impact awarded N25m grants for 2,000 students’ eco-friendly footwear
… fund repurposing of recycled tyres into school sandals
An African proverb states that “It takes a village to raise a child”, which suggest collaboration in a child’s upbringing.
This could have informed the collaboration between NNPC Limited and FIRST E&P to empower public school students with sandals through FREEE Impact Foundation.
FREEE Impact Foundation, has been awarded a N25 million grant by the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P Development Company Joint Venture, to provide eco-friendly footwear to 2,000 public school students through the elevate programme.
The grant will enable FREEE Impact Foundation to distribute 2,000 sandals to pupils across underserved public schools in southwest Nigeria, contributing to a safer learning experience for pupils while reducing environmental waste.
Emmanuel Etomi, the executive director, corporate services at FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P), speaking during the award, announced at the Movenpick Hotel, Lagos, said, “As an organisation, we have seen firsthand how meaningful change happens, not in isolation, but through collaboration.
We recognise that NGOs play a vital role in addressing complex social challenges, particularly in communities that are often underserved.
“By empowering and resourcing these organisations, we collectively create ripples of transformation that extend far beyond what any single entity can achieve alone.”
By providing this grant to FREEE, NNPC/FIRST E&P highlights the unique value of environmental interventions that simultaneously address youth poverty and public health risks caused by improper waste disposal.
Seyi Omotowa, chief upstream investment officer of NUIMS, represented by Loveday Minanengiyeofori, the lead of community relations at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), speaking at the event said, “At NNPC Limited, we remain committed to initiatives that drive sustainable social change.
“Through the Impact FIRST Grant, we are fostering partnerships with organisations that are making tangible impact in communities.”
Ifedolapo Runsewe, managing director at FREEE Recycle, speaking on the award, said, “We’d like to say a very big thank you to NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P Joint Venture for this opportunity and recognising the work we do at the intersection of sustainability and social impact.
This grant allows us to distribute 2000 sandals to schools in southwest Nigeria.”
The initiative exemplifies a powerful dual-impact model: tackling environmental pollution and advancing educational equity through a single circular economy intervention.
FREEE Impact Foundation was selected alongside 11 other organisations after a competitive review process evaluating effectiveness, innovation, community impact, amongst other criteria.
The 12 selected grantees collectively received over N287 million in funding, supporting projects in healthcare, economic empowerment, education, and environmental sustainability.
This year’s ceremony also underscores the growing interest among corporate entities in supporting inclusive development models that deliver long-term social impact.
Founded in 2023, FREEE Impact Foundation serves as the advocacy arm of FREEE Recycle Limited. The firm through its tire recycling and product innovation has helped reduce urban flooding, landfill congestion, and pollution, all while creating value-added goods that promote dignity and inclusion for underserved populations.
This grant adds to FREEE’s growing record of recognition for its environmental and social innovation. With operations set to extend to multiple communities in southwest, the foundation continues to demonstrate how the circular economy can be locally driven, scalable, and rooted in community empowerment.
FREEE Impact Foundation is the advocacy and sustainability-focused arm of FREEE Recycle Limited. The foundation leads innovative projects aimed at driving awareness, engagement, and direct action around circular economy solutions.
