LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
FABE International Foundation, a social enterprise passionate about the establishment and improvement of an eco-conscious generation in Nigeria.
Temitope Okunnu is the Founder of FABE International Foundation and serves as the CEO of Tidy Nigeria and EcoSchoolsNG in Nigeria. She is a highly accomplished social entrepreneur, award-winning environmentalist, and distinguished advocate for sustainable living. Temitope's unwavering commitment lies in empowering women and youth with the essential skills required for environmental sustainability and the circular economy, thus enabling them to lead sustainable lives and generate income simultaneously.
Established in 2008, her organization has grown significantly and currently provides employment opportunities for 105 individuals hailing from economically disadvantaged communities. Through her leadership, Temitope has educated, trained, and empowered 7,805 women, and 11,300 students and diverted 1,020,182 Tons of plastic waste from entering coastal waters in 176 schools and communities in Nigeria. With an impressive track record spanning 17 years, Temitope brings a wealth of expertise to the field of environmental sustainability, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in this domain. Her goal is to see communities and households reduce their emissions and carbon footprints while capturing
value from the process. Temitope Okunnu was featured on the Cable Network News “CNN” twice in the same year for her work in Mitigating Climate Change in Nigeria. https://youtu.be/g0Ip4-iG_TA
Lioness Weekender spoke to Temitope Okunnu about her impact-driven social enterprises, her passion for environmental sustainability, and her vision for the future.
What does your company do?
FABE International Foundation is passionate about the establishment and improvement of an eco-conscious generation committed and dedicated to restoration, conservation, sustainability, and protection of the environment. FABE is an organization in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, a corporate member of the Recyclers Association of Nigeria, and an Associate/NGO member of the Lagos Recyclers Association. FABE is a two-time winner of WAMASON AWARDS and was featured twice on CNN in the same year.
We empower women and youth with the essential skills required for environmental sustainability, climate action, and the circular economy, thus enabling them to lead sustainable lives and generate income simultaneously with skills in Recycling, Upcycling, and Composting.
What inspired you to start your company?
The inception of this organization can be traced back to a significant milestone in my life journey where I contested and won the inaugural Miss Environment pageant in Nigeria, earning me the esteemed title of "The Environment Queen." This achievement marked a pivotal moment in my life. I later pursued a career in Sustainable Waste Management at the Lagos Business School through the support of the Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, where I gained sufficient knowledge to propel my passion for environmental sustainability, climate action, and the circular economy. In 2008, I took the initiative to organize the very first United Nations World Environment Day celebration, collaborating closely with both the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and the United Nations Environment Program in Kenya.
Since then, the driving force behind the creation of our organization stems from the profound realization of the dire consequences of pollution. This predicament, often stemming from unintentional actions but sometimes deliberate choices, inspired the pursuit of a mission to mitigate harm while simultaneously harnessing economic opportunities.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
What distinguishes our service is its dedicated focus on addressing the critical challenges faced by mothers in coastal communities, where pollution, specifically plastic waste in the ocean and waterways, has significantly impacted their traditional means of livelihood, predominantly fishing.
Our service's uniqueness lies in its comprehensive approach to this issue. Firstly, we work towards preventing plastic waste from entering the ocean by implementing robust recycling initiatives in and around coastal communities. Secondly, we innovate by converting recycled plastic waste into a valuable form of currency. This dual-pronged strategy combats pollution and also provides economic empowerment to the mothers living in these heavily polluted coastal areas, thereby making our service truly exceptional.
Tell us a little about your team:
Our team is made up of experienced and award-winning environmentalists, astute professionals, and veterans in the environment sector. We work tirelessly to reduce emissions in communities by empowering mothers with decent jobs in recycling, upcycling, and composting. Our focus is to promote sustainable practices and create a healthier environment for everyone, while harnessing economic opportunities.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My introduction to the world of business came through my mother, who managed three successful enterprises alongside her role as a public secondary school teacher. This exposure began in 2003 following my father's passing and involved services ranging from pastry making to teaching in primary schools and offering 4 private lessons. These early experiences provided a foundation from which I developed and honed valuable skills. Over time, I have further refined these skills and expanded my horizons. Presently, I hold certifications as both a teacher and a professional environmentalist. Leveraging my teaching expertise, I am deeply committed to advocating for climate/environmental education in the school's curriculum. Simultaneously, I work towards empowering women and communities in their endeavors towards environmental sustainability and embracing the principles of the circular economy.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Our vision for FABE is to extend our outreach and impact. We aspire to empower an increasing number of women, mothers, and girls to take the lead in environmental sustainability initiatives, with a particular focus on coastal communities. Additionally, we are determined to enhance our efforts to reduce waste in coastal waters through recycling, upcycling, and composting, considering the critical role these activities play in environmental sustainability and the circular economy.
Expansion is a key element of our future plans. We aim to broaden our organizational footprint into other African countries, thereby extending our reach and influence to more local women and communities across the continent.
Collaboration and capacity building are vital components of our vision. We seek to establish partnerships that allow us to learn and grow, and we remain open to mentorship, further collaboration, and the continuous process of learning and development.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The most gratifying aspect of entrepreneurship for me is witnessing FABE's multifaceted approach effectively addressing the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Our commitment to mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and tackling pollution in a holistic manner brings a profound sense of accomplishment.
Furthermore, the knowledge that we are making a tangible, positive impact on people's lives, particularly through the empowerment of women and the transformation of livelihoods, is immensely satisfying. Offering employment opportunities to unemployed mothers and raising awareness about individual actions for climate change mitigation also hold great significance.
The recognition that both I and my dedicated team have received for this vital work adds an extra layer of satisfaction, underscoring the significance of our endeavors.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
First and foremost, seek God's guidance, discover your purpose and your passion, and ensure its intimately connected to problem-solving. Have confidence that the solution elevating you to the forefront will take shape through unwavering dedication, a commitment to integrity, and the relentless pursuit of consistency.
Recognize that your ultimate advocate is none other than yourself. Place your trust in your God and believe in your own capabilities. Do not try to be someone else. Nurture an unshakable determination, pledge to consistently persevere, and always show up, no matter the obstacles that arise.
Additionally, conduct thorough research and thoughtfully select your mentors. You bear the responsibility for the mentors you invite into your life, but never underestimate the transformational influence that a mentor can provide.
To learn more about the work of Fabe International, contact founder Temitope Okunnu via email: temitope.okunnu@fabeinternational.org or visit the website and social media platforms of Fabe International:
Website: http://www.fabeinternational.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FABE.NIGERIA
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fabenigeria?s=21
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/fabenigeriafoundation?igshid=YmM0MjE2YWMzOA==
YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCQmusQJcNPQgflfEn3HGybg
