Written by: Admin_SheEvo
I am Favour Ojieh, chemical Scientist founder of VOCA (voice of Climate Action); growing up in Obiaruku, Delta State, Nigeria, surrounded by lush green landscapes and natural beauty, I developed an innate love for the environment.
But it wasn’t until my NYSC service year in Bayelsa, where I was assigned to the Ministry of Environment, that this love transformed into purpose. I vividly remember the day a devastating flood swept through my apartment.
It was a wake-up call. My director, Mr. Ere Wakedei, introduced me to environmental meetings, including one with Terra Global. This exposure opened my eyes to the urgent need for climate action, especially in our communities. Fueled by passion, I embarked on a journey to create solutions. My research into recycling began with something simple yet impactful plastic waste.
I envisioned transforming what many discarded as useless into something valuable. After about 20 months of experiments, some failing, I succeeded in creating VOCA Shoe Polish, a product born from recycled plastic waste. It wasn’t just about making shoe polish but showing that waste could be wealth. However, the journey was far from easy. Financial constraints were a constant hurdle. I poured my NYSC savings into the project, and when that wasn’t enough, I turned to my family, who supported me despite the uncertainty. Failure became my teacher as countless trials didn’t go as planned. But each setback strengthened my resolve to find solutions.
My challenges extended beyond funding and experiments. Raising awareness about environmental issues was a battle in itself. Convincing people to adopt sustainable practices in a world driven by convenience felt like shouting into the void. Yet, I held on to my vision of making environmentalism
accessible and practical. Today, VOCA Shoe Polish is not just a product; it’s a movement. It is a testament that sustainable solutions are within our reach when we dare to think differently. Beyond shoe polish, I’ve also taken to educating others and authored a book titled “The Wealth in Waste” (How recycling can save the planet).
I teach young people how to turn waste into fashionable bags and footwear, promoting eco-friendly, affordable fashion. This initiative has kept many youth engaged and empowered. Despite the progress, the challenges remain. Funding for larger-scale projects and spreading this
message globally is still a work in progress. But I draw strength from the lives I’ve touched and the growing realization that small actions ripple into big changes.
To anyone facing obstacles, my story is a reminder: our environment is our responsibility. We have the power to innovate, create, and inspire. Persistence can turn dreams into reality even when the odds get stacked against us. Let’s transform our communities, one solution at a time.
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