
13/09/2025
Meet Jonathan Olakunle Olanlokun — Nigeria’s Real-Life Spider-Man Fighting for a Cleaner Future
When it comes to superheroes, most of us think of comic books and Hollywood blockbusters. But in Nigeria, a real-life hero is donning a Spider-Man costume—not to fight villains, but to fight waste and pollution.
His name is Jonathan Olakunle Olanlokun, an environmental activist and founder of the Barbara Abike Epperson Foundation (BAEF). For more than two decades, Jonathan has made it his life’s mission to keep streets, markets, and public spaces clean—armed with brooms, waste bags, and a powerful message about community responsibility.
Jonathan began his cleanup work in 2004, often working alone. But in 2021, he found a creative way to grab attention: he started wearing a full Spider-Man suit during his cleanup exercises.
“The costume makes people notice me. It gets them curious, and once they stop to look, I get a chance to talk to them about keeping their environment clean,” Jonathan explains.
Why It Matters
Nigeria, like many developing nations, struggles with waste management and littering. By turning heads with his costume, Jonathan has inspired conversations and encouraged ordinary citizens to join him, turning clean-ups into community events. His efforts have also been recognized by local and international media, with features on Euronews, TheCable, and other platforms.
The Barbara Abike Epperson Foundation
Named after the late American missionary who raised his mother, Jonathan’s foundation focuses on environmental sanitation, clean water projects, poverty reduction, and youth empowerment. He self-funds most of the work but continues to call for greater government and private-sector collaboration to expand the impact.
Jonathan’s “Spider-Man approach” proves that one person can inspire an entire community. He believes that if more people get involved, Nigeria can achieve cleaner cities, healthier neighborhoods, and a stronger culture of environmental responsibility.
“Cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility. We can’t wait for the government alone—we must act where we are,” he says.
Jonathan’s story is a reminder that true heroism isn’t about superpowers—it’s about taking action and inspiring others to do the same.