THUR SEPT 25 2025-theGBJournal|The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said the quest for the state to become a benchmark for climate action, youth empowerment, and sustainable urban living, especially amongst all students across the state, is not negotiable.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu emphasized the State’s resolve during the Close-Out Ceremony of the Schools Plastic Collection Challenge held at the Ministry of the Environment & Water Resources Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja.
He advocated that environmental education should be included in schools’ curricula, while youth-led projects should also be encouraged, as well as green skills and innovation to be supported in all schools.
He said the plastic collection challenge was undertaken by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF under the Green Rising Initiative, which seeks to mobilise young people globally to take concrete actions for climate resilience.
He added that the initiative also seeks to equip students with education, green skills, volunteering opportunities, and the capacity to advocate for their communities, stressing that here in Lagos, the challenge represents a microcosm of the global ambition.
He said that the effort speaks to the mandate of the Ministry to secure a clean, healthier, sustainable environment that supports the well-being and economic growth of the state.
Akodu explained that from policy formulation to community engagement and from waste regulation to environmental education, the role of the government is not only to enact laws but to ensure investment in people, especially the young people, to sustain those laws.
According to him: “We are seeing today that when students are given the right tools, awareness, guidance and support, they rise to the challenge. As such, as we leave here today, let us carry forward not just a sense of accomplishment, but a bold commitment”.
He said during the course of the programme, more than 10,000 students in public secondary schools engaged, collected and recycled plastics, as well as learned practical skills and also experienced that environmental protection demands both knowledge and action.
Akodu added that the habit of sorting waste, recycling, advocacy, and raising awareness in their schools is the seed of a green economy and communities that value sustainability, as well as for citizens who expect better environmental governance.
He acknowledged the contribution of UNICEF for aligning the programme with global climate youth action, as well as all stakeholders and, most significantly, the students whose energy, ideas, and persistence have driven the project.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Tajudeen Gaji said the challenge has provided students in government-owned institutions opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the mopping up of plastics in the environment and build skills in environmental awareness and advocacy.
“These activities and the impact align with the state government agenda on sustainable cities and the Green Risings task of empowering youth through education, green skills, and the opportunity to act for the planet”, he said.
In her remark, Chief of Lagos Field Office (UNICEF) Ms. Celine Lafoucriere reaffirmed the commitment of UNICEF alongside the State government to ensure that every child grows and every adult lives in a cleaner, safer and greener environment.
She said UNICEF would ensure that the event is not simply to conclude the plastic collection challenge but to celebrate the extraordinary dedication of young people who transform the initiative into a resounding success.
Participating Schools across the six education districts in the State and outstanding students were recognised and rewarded with Desktop computers that come with internet connection and cash awards at the ceremony.
X-@theGBJournal|Facebook-the Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.com|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
