Michael Olusanya
Michael Olusanya | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Michael Olusegun Olusanya June 10, 1986 Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Citizenship | Nigeria |
| Alma mater | ISFOP-Benin University |
| Occupation |
|
| Organization | Greenway International Foundation (Founder) |
| Awards |
|
| Website | greenwayin |
Michael Olusanya (born June 10, 1986) is a Nigerian social entrepreneur, nature advocate, circular economy planner, innovator, and speaker renown for his contributions to sustainability and socio-economic development.[1] He is the founder of the Greenway International Foundation,[2] a non-profit organization primarily driven by youth aiming to address environmental conservation and foster psychological wellness.[3]
Olusanya actively addresses issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and societal inclusivity. His dedication to sustainability and social issues has garnered attention and acknowledgment both at the national and international levels. In 2019, he secured a place among the top 20 recipients of the RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneur Competition and was recognized as a representative of youth perspectives from Africa during the Global NDC Conference held in Berlin.[4]
Early life and education
Olusanya was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended Christ Apostolic Church School and Dairy Farm Junior Secondary School before graduating from Army Day Senior Secondary School in Owode-Yewa, Ogun State, Nigeria. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from ISFOP-Benin University, Republic of Benin, in 2016.
Building upon his foundation, Olusanya's educational path has led him to the United States of America, where he is currently engaged in an important research study. His research is centered around understanding the profound implications of the climate crisis on humanity.
Career
Greenway International Foundation
In 2017, Olusanya established the Greenway International Foundation,[5] a non-profit emphasizing youth-oriented environmental preservation and psychological well-being. As the Founder and Executive Director, Olusanya guides the foundation's "Climate Change" strategy, manages international alliances, ensures efficient project execution, advocates for climate change initiatives, and aids public communication efforts on the subject.[6]
Through the Greenway International Foundation, Olusanya has actively pursued initiatives to advance sustainability and socio-economic development. The foundation aims to plant over five million fruit trees across Africa by 2030, with a particular focus on one million trees in Ghana. In collaboration with the Australian Embassy, the foundation planted 100 fruit trees in Accra's Ayalolo Cluster of Schools to mark World Environment Day. Notably, Olusanya also participated in planting 57,000 fruit trees with the High Commission in various Ghanaian schools. In 2019, the foundation initiated the Greenway National Cycling Competition in Accra, raising climate change awareness and curbing greenhouse gases in Ghana.[7]
Beyond tree planting and climate initiatives, Olusanya has innovated biodegradable food packaging from cassava and sugarcane to combat plastic waste and environmental impact.
Social entrepreneurship
Olusanya has been actively engaged in various organizations and initiatives. Notably, he has played a significant role in HACEY's Health Initiative, dedicated to promoting community health and well-being.[8]
His collaborative efforts with the Australian High Commission, such as a tree planting project, underscore the importance of international partnerships in environmental preservation. He initiated a tree planting ceremony at the Embassy of Cuba during the 55th Anniversary of African Day, marking the commencement of the #EndTheBlockade Campaign, a global initiative raising awareness about the Cuban blockade and environmental concerns.[9]
Olusanya is also engaged with Young Reporters for the Environment Ghana (YRE-Ghana) to empower youth to address environmental issues.[10] Additionally, Olusanya's advocacy for tree planting in schools actively contributes to combating climate change and aligns with UN sustainable development goals.[11]
Olusanya’s collaborative work in co-creating climate solutions and showcasing innovative strategies to combat climate change has been recognized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Africa.[12] He was also honored as the youth voice at the Global NDC Conference in 2019, spotlighting his influential role in driving global climate action.[13]
As an Orange Corners alumnus, he has expanded his skills and network, utilizing the platform to create green employment opportunities, promote tree planting, and further his environmental protection endeavors.[14][15]
Before establishing Greenway International Foundation,[16] Olusanya held key positions at Made In Heaven and Atlantic Business Concept Ventures.[17] As the program director of Made In Heaven, he built relationships with ambassadors and role models to champion children's rights and gender equality, contributing to a more just and equitable world.[18] Furthermore, in his role as executive vice president at Atlantic Business Concept Ventures,[19] Olusanya played a vital role in advancing ecological tourism, tour guide training, and strategic growth, leading to improvements in travel sales.[20]
Awards and recognitions
- He was selected as one of the top 20 winners of the 2019 RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition (West Africa).[21]
- In 2019, he was honored as the youth voice at the Global NDC Conference held in Berlin.
References
- ↑ ANKIILU, MASAHUDU (10 June 2019). "Interview: Environmental Charity Supports Ghana's Forestation Programs". African Eye Report. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ Dzokpo, Ike (9 December 2019). "Greenway International Foundation partners Galaxy Int School to combat Climate change | News Ghana". newsghana.com.gh. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ Ecofin, Agence. "Ghana : Michael Olusanya veut commercialiser des emballages alimentaires fabriqués à partir du manioc et de la canne à sucre". Agence Ecofin (in français). Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Plant tree against the blockade at the Embassy of Cuba in Ghana". CUBADIPLOMATICA. 25 May 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Greenway International Foundation Unveils 2018 National Cycling Competition". modernghana.com. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Registration opens for 2019 Greenway Cycling competition". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "YRE Ghana walks to demand climate change action". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Africans looking to more efforts from COP 26". global.chinadaily.com.cn. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "MyJoyOnline – Ghana News | Ghana's most comprehensive website. Independent, Fearless and Credible journalism". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "European Union in Ghana launches activities for 2019 Climate Diplomacy Week in Accra | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Africans dig in against climate change". global.chinadaily.com.cn. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Africans wage battle to restore forests". global.chinadaily.com.cn. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Is it the right time for African countries to reopen economies?". africanian.com. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Environmentalists condemn US trade group plan to export plastics to Africa". global.chinadaily.com.cn. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ Africa, UNDP (2 May 2019). "Co-creating Climate Solutions Series". Medium. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ Dzokpo, Ike (9 June 2019). "Greenway International Foundation readies to plant over 1 million trees in Ghana. | News Ghana". www.newsghana.com.gh. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Conference of the Parties Twenty-sixth session" (PDF). unfccc.int. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Australian High Commission joins GreenWay to plant 100 trees". GhanaWeb. 8 June 2019. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Government asked to sensitize schools on the need for tree planting". GhanaWeb. 2 September 2019. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Registration Opens For 2019 Greenway Cycling Competition". modernghana.com. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ↑ "Twenty (20) winners of RUFORUM Young African Entrepreneurs Competition 2019 announced" (PDF). ruforum.files.wordpress.com. Retrieved 21 August 2023.