Conservationist and sustainability expert, Doyinsola Ogunye, has been honoured with the African Sustainability and Circular Economy Impact Award for her contributions to environmental protection, sustainable development and the advancement of circular economy practices in Africa.
The award was presented over the weekend in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, during the African Sustainability and Circular Economy Summit and Awards 2026.
Ogunye was honoured alongside the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Lagos State Government, Mrs Titilayo Oshodi; Rashidah Omotola AbdulQuadri, Project Director, ATO Climate Educate; and Engr. Onyinye Okpalanma, FCAI, MNSE, Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Sustainable Development Goals, among other sustainability leaders and practitioners.
The recognition was presented by the African CleanUp Initiative (ACI Nigeria) to individuals whose work has contributed to advancing sustainable development, environmental protection, climate action and circular economy practices.
Ogunye, who has more than 16 years of experience in environmental protection, conservation, community development and sustainability, has championed initiatives covering coastal conservation, recycling, waste-to-wealth programmes, environmental education, habitat restoration, tree planting and community empowerment.
Her work has particularly focused on involving women, young people and communities in environmental sustainability while creating opportunities for them to participate meaningfully in emerging circular economy practices.
Speaking on the recognition, Ogunye expressed appreciation to the organisers and acknowledged the contributions of her partners, volunteers, communities and organisations that have supported the initiatives she leads.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition alongside some of the remarkable leaders and changemakers working in the sustainability space. This award is a reminder that the work we do for our environment matters, and that collective action can create lasting change,” she said.
Ogunye described the award as both a personal honour and recognition of the collective efforts of environmental advocates working every day to protect the environment and build more sustainable communities.
She also celebrated her fellow award recipients and other environmental leaders contributing to positive change across Africa.
The summit brought together sustainability leaders, policymakers, innovators, development practitioners and other stakeholders from across the region to share solutions, strengthen collaboration and celebrate individuals contributing to Africa’s environmental future.
The organisers said the awards recognised innovative and inclusive approaches to addressing environmental and sustainability challenges across the continent.
The recognition of Ogunye and other Nigerian awardees highlights the growing importance of African-led environmental solutions, community participation, women and youth empowerment, circular economy practices and climate action in building a resilient and sustainable continent.
Ogunye further reaffirmed her commitment to using sustainability as a tool for community development, economic empowerment and long-term environmental protection.
She also commended the team behind the summit, led by Dr Alexander Akhigbe, for creating a platform that celebrates and amplifies the work of individuals and organisations advancing sustainability across Africa.
