NNPC/FIRST E&P Funds Eco-Shoes for 2,000 Students via FREEE Foundation

• Grant to fund repurposing of recycled tyres into school sandals for 2,000 public school pupils through the Elevate Programme

 

FREEE Impact Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Nigeria’s foremost tire recycling company, FREEE Recycle Limited, has been awarded a ₦25m grant by the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P Development Company Joint Venture. The award, announced at the Movenpick Hotel, Lagos, was part of the 2025 “Impact FIRST” Awards—a corporate social responsibility initiative designed to fund high-impact, community-driven NGOs.

The grant enables 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. 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 organizations after a competitive review process evaluating effectiveness, innovation, community impact, amongst other criteria. The 12 selected grantees collectively received over ₦287 million in funding, supporting projects in healthcare, economic empowerment, education, and environmental sustainability.

Speaking on the award, Managing Director, FREEE Recycle, Ifedolapo Runsewe said “We’d like to say a very big thank you to NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P Joint Venture for this opportunity and recognizing 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”.

This year’s ceremony also underscores the growing interest among corporate entities in supporting inclusive development models that deliver long-term social impact. 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.

“As an organization, we have seen firsthand how meaningful change happens – not in isolation, but through collaboration. We recognize that NGOs play a vital role in addressing complex social challenges, particularly in communities that are often underserved. By empowering and resourcing these organizations, we collectively create ripples of transformation that extend far beyond what any single entity can achieve alone.,” said Emmanuel Etomi, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P).”

“At NNPC Ltd, we remain committed to initiatives that drive sustainable social change. Through the Impact FIRST Grant, we are fostering partnerships with organizations that are making tangible impact in communities,” said Loveday Minanengiyeofori, the Lead, Community Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) who represented the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NUIMS, Engr Seyi Omotowa.

Founded in 2023, FREEE Impact Foundation serves as the advocacy arm of FREEE Recycle Limited. FREEE Recycle Limited 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 Nigeria, the foundation continues to demonstrate how the circular economy can be locally driven, scalable, and rooted in community empowerment.