Meet Ogechi Nwonye, the environmentalist leading fight against climate change in Nigeria
Hers is a truism of the saying — where there is a will, there is a way.
Ogechi Nwonye, the Enugu-based environmentalist, waste recycler & social entrepreneur, is one of the brave Nigerians creating solutions instead of complaining about the problem.
Years ago, she was perturbed by the menace of plastic waste in the country and how such affects the environment.
“Over the years, I have come to the realization that we are surrounded heavily by Plastic Waste and we churn out even more as the day goes by,” she wrote on her Twitter page.
My name is Ogechi Nwonye, I am a Social Entrepreneur & a recycler based in Enugu State, Nigeria. Over the years, I have come to the realization that we are surrounded heavily by Plastic Waste and we churn out even more as the day goes by.
Everyday i wake up to start my day, . pic.twitter.com/odype05LGt
— Ogechi Nwonye (@OgechiNwonye) June 5, 2023
Then, she decided to start a movement against it. This inspired her to establish Eco-Cyclers — a social enterprise focused on health and environmental initiative.
Since then, Nwonye has continued to blaze the trail, sensitising people about the dangers of plastic pollution and leading the fight against climate change.
Typical of every noble course, the journey has not been a walk in the park for the environmentalist. But with sheer determination, she has been going strong against the odds.
In this chat with CrispNG, Nwonye reflects on her drive to achieve a clean, safe, and sustainable environment in the country.
Tell us briefly about yourself
My name is Ogechi Nwonye. I am an environmentalist, waste recycler and social entrepreneur based in Enugu state, Nigeria. I am a wife and a mother of three.
What do you consider your feat so far?
My major feat was when I started my startup — Eco-Cyclers.
What is your most challenging moment?
My most challenging moment was in 2021 when I had to start afresh a new startup from my previous one.
How did you overcome it?
I did overcome it through prayers, family love and staying hopeful that nothing lasts forever. Then, by not allowing my mistake or failure to put me down from rising up again.
What is your advice to the youths?
If patience is worth anything, it must endure to the end of time. And a living faith will last in the midst of the blackest storm (Mahatma Gandhi).
I have once been at my darkest and trust me when I say it does get better one day. I am not there yet, but better days are ahead.
What is your best quote?
My best quote is by Mahatma Gandhi which says “Be the Change you wish to see in the world”
