Lagos mobilises students to tackle pollution, flooding

The Lagos State Government has urged students to promote environmental sustainability by adopting proper waste-disposal practices, reducing plastic use and keeping their surroundings clean.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Office of Environmental Services, Tajudeen Gaji, made the call on Tuesday during the annual sensitisation programme of the Environmental Bees Club in Lagos State.

Gaji, who was represented by the Director of the Environmental Education Unit, Banire Monsurat, said environmental protection required collective efforts by the government, residents, schools, businesses and other stakeholders.

Speaking on the theme, “Young Environmental Champions: Building a Greener Lagos,” he described the club as an important platform for turning environmental knowledge into responsible behaviour and practical action.

He said the state government recognised the need to instil environmental consciousness in young people, adding that lasting environmental transformation must begin with students and other young members of society.

According to him, Lagos faces environmental challenges, including improper waste disposal, plastic pollution, blocked drainage channels, flooding, water pollution, loss of green spaces, and climate change, all of which require the participation of all residents.

“Environmental protection is not simply the responsibility of government officials. It begins with simple everyday actions such as disposing of waste properly, reducing unnecessary consumption, recycling where possible, conserving water and energy, protecting trees and vegetation, and keeping our surroundings clean,” he said.

The permanent secretary challenged members of the club to identify environmental problems in their schools and communities and develop practical solutions to address them.

He urged the students to work with their teachers and fellow pupils to raise awareness, lead by example and encourage others to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

He added that environmental change did not always require major projects, noting that simple actions such as picking up litter, reducing plastic waste and planting trees could contribute to a cleaner environment.

Gaji also commended teachers and club managers for promoting environmental awareness among students.

He urged them to continue mentoring the young ambassadors and provide opportunities for them to translate their knowledge into practical projects.

He said the ministry would continue to strengthen environmental education, public awareness, innovation and stakeholder engagement through partnerships with schools, tertiary institutions, communities, civil society organisations and the private sector.

“The future of Lagos depends on a strong, responsible and environmentally conscious citizenry. Our vision is to raise a generation of Lagosians who will not only understand environmental challenges but also possess the knowledge, creativity and courage to develop solutions,” he said.

He urged participants to apply the lessons learnt during the programme, expressing optimism that sustained collective efforts would make schools and communities cleaner and more environmentally conscious.

The guest lecturer, Adedoyin Lasisi, highlighted children’s vulnerability to environmental hazards due to their developing immune systems, warning that exposure to unhealthy surroundings could adversely affect their health and development.

Lasisi emphasised the need to protect children from environmental risks and explained that the State Government’s restriction on single-use plastics was aimed at reducing plastic pollution, preventing drainage blockages and mitigating flooding.

He called for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to safeguard the environment and promote sustainable development.

Addressing pollution and waste management, the guest lecturer discussed the effects of air, water and soil pollution on human health and ecosystems.

He urged students to embrace waste sorting, recycling, reuse and proper disposal, noting that waste materials could be transformed into valuable resources when appropriately managed.

He further stressed the importance of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene in preventing diseases, urging students to practise regular handwashing with soap and clean water and to promote cleanliness within their immediate surroundings.

The highlight of the programme included a sensitisation training, an interactive session and a quiz session involving students from the six education districts in Lagos.

The quiz winners, Attama Immaculatar of Keke Senior High School, Wojuade Anjolajesu of Mende Senior High School, Akande Dahusi of Memorial Senior High School, Oyediran Toluwanimi of Lagos Progressive Senior Secondary School, Abdul-Ganiu Shukurat of Kuje Senior Secondary School, and Kadri Emmanuel of Agidingbi Senior Grammar School, were presented with gifts alongside students who came second and third.

Other activities at the programme included spoken-word performances, drama and an art exhibition.

Winners in the art exhibition also received prizes, while consolation prizes were presented to other students who distinguished themselves in the activities.