By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in partnership with the EPPlus Sustainability Network, has engaged students across the state in a creative drive to curb plastic pollution and promote environmental innovation.
The initiative, held under the banner Project SOLVE 2.0: Solutions for a Viable Environment, carried the theme “Towards a Future with Zero Plastic Pollution.” It brought together students from public and private secondary schools to present innovative solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste in their schools and communities.
The event took place on Thursday at LASEPA headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, where 10 finalist schools showcased their environmental projects before a panel of judges.
Youth-Led Innovation for a Cleaner Lagos
Among the finalists were Ojodu Junior High School (Success Team), Grandmates School (The Collectables: From Litres to Leadership), Keke Senior High School (Trash to Treasure), Bolade Senior Grammar School (Transparent Land), Army Cantonment Junior School (Green Minds), Birch Freeman Senior High School (EcoVators), Ikeja Senior Grammar School (EcoCycle), Oke Ira Senior Grammar School (Young Environmentalist – Environment Bee), and Oshodi Comprehensive Junior High School (Nature Lovers).
After a rigorous evaluation, Oke Ira Senior Grammar School emerged winner of the competition, receiving a ₦500,000 cash prize for their project on sustainable recycling and waste segregation. Grandmates School claimed second place, while Oshodi Comprehensive Junior High School finished third.
Empowering Students as Environmental Champions
Speaking at the event, LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, said the competition reflects the agency’s long-term commitment to nurturing young people as environmental stewards and innovators.
“This competition tests and enhances students’ understanding of environmental issues and motivates them to develop practical solutions,” Ajayi said.
“Beyond awareness, we are enforcing real change — clearing drainages, reducing emissions, and tackling plastic pollution through sustainable interventions.”
Ajayi added that LASEPA’s collaboration with organisations like EPPlus underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting sustainability and protecting Lagos’ ecosystem.
Project SOLVE: Building a Generation of Change-Makers
The Deputy Team Lead of EPPlus Sustainability Network, Mosadoluwa Otenaike, explained that Project SOLVE was designed to inspire students to address specific environmental challenges through practical action.
“We received hundreds of project proposals and selected the 10 best for today’s showcase,” Otenaike said. “This initiative is not a one-off event — it’s a multi-year project. We will mentor the winning school and help bring their solution to life.”
She noted that while most participants were from public schools, private schools were also encouraged to join future editions to broaden the programme’s impact.
Government Commends Collaboration
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Sojinu Olasunkanmi, Director of Environmental Assessment, praised the initiative as a model for youth-driven environmental governance.
“What we are witnessing today is a productive collaboration between government and civil society,” Olasunkanmi said. “It shows that when young minds are empowered, they can become effective agents of change in solving critical environmental problems like plastic waste.”
The event concluded with a renewed call for schools, communities, and private organisations to join the movement toward achieving a cleaner, greener, and plastic-free Lagos.
