Ibrahim Rilwan

Nigerian environmentalist leading large-scale ocean cleanup initiatives.

Ibrahim Rilwan is a Nigerian environmentalist and founder of the Clean Ocean Initiative (COI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling marine plastic pollution in West Africa. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Rilwan witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of plastic waste on coastal communities and marine ecosystems. In 2016, he launched COI to mobilize volunteers for coastal cleanups and advocate for sustainable waste management policies. To date, the initiative has removed over 1,000 tons of plastic from Nigerian waters and inspired similar projects across the region. Rilwan's work gained global attention after a 2020 BBC documentary highlighted COI's efforts. His advocacy led to Nigeria's 2021 ban on single-use plastics in coastal states, marking a major policy shift. Beyond cleanup operations, COI partners with schools through its Eco Warriors program, educating over 50,000 students annually on marine conservation. Rilwan also chairs the African Coastal and Ocean Coalition, fostering cross-border collaboration to address plastic pollution. His innovative approach combines grassroots activism with corporate partnerships, securing funding from organizations like the IKEA Foundation and the African Development Bank. In 2022, he was awarded the Global Green Hero Award, recognizing his role in transforming public awareness about ocean health. Rilwan's vision extends to turning recovered plastic into eco-bricks for affordable housing projects, creating circular economy solutions. His TED Talk "How We Collected 1,000 Tons of Plastic" has over 2 million views, amplifying his message globally.