By Abbas Nazil
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in collaboration with EPPlus Sustainability Network, has engaged secondary school students across the state in plastic waste management through an environmental innovation competition titled Project SOLVE 2.0: Solutions for a Viable Environment.
Held at the LASEPA headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, the event gathered public and private schools to present innovative proposals addressing plastic pollution in their schools and communities.
Themed “Towards a Future with Zero Plastic Pollution,” the competition featured ten finalist schools showcasing projects promoting environmental sustainability.
Oke Ira Senior Grammar School emerged the overall winner, receiving a ₦500,000 prize.
Grandmates School came second, while Oshodi Comprehensive Junior High School placed third.
LASEPA General Manager, Tunde Ajayi, said the competition demonstrates the agency’s dedication to youth involvement in environmental protection, noting that it tests students’ knowledge of environmental issues while encouraging innovation and responsibility.
He emphasized that beyond awareness campaigns, the agency is committed to enforcement and implementation—clearing drainages, expanding water channels, and cutting pollution levels across the state.
EPPlus Deputy Team Lead, Mosadoluwa Otenaike, explained that Project SOLVE aims to encourage students to design practical solutions to environmental problems affecting their surroundings.
She revealed that hundreds of entries were received, out of which ten were shortlisted for the final showcase.
Otenaike added that the winning school would receive mentorship and technical support to implement their project, stressing that the initiative is a long-term effort to build young environmental leaders.
The Director of Environmental Assessment at the Lagos Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Sojinu Olasunkanmi, commended the partnership between government and non-profit organizations.
He described the collaboration as an exemplary model of how youth-driven innovation can address environmental challenges, especially plastic waste.
He noted that involving students as agents of change ensures a sustainable culture of environmental responsibility for future generations.
Through this initiative, Lagos State continues to lead in environmental education and awareness, promoting community-driven solutions to plastic pollution.