The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has concluded the grand finale of the 2026 Inter-Tertiary Institutions Environmental Summit 2.0 Debate Competition, held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Ikeja, bringing together students, policymakers, and environmental stakeholders.
Eko Hot News reports that the event centered on the theme “Combatting Transboundary Pollution in Lagos State: A City-Level Intervention or National Efforts,” drawing strong participation from tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The summit provided a platform for young scholars to engage in critical discussions on environmental sustainability, governance, and collaborative solutions to pollution challenges affecting Lagos State and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on the Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, commended LASEPA for its continuous youth engagement initiatives.
He described the programme as a strategic effort to develop environmentally conscious and solution-driven young leaders capable of contributing to sustainable development.
Rotimi-Akodu, represented by Mr. Onasanya Fatai of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, congratulated the finalists for their intellectual contributions to environmental discourse.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to environmental sustainability through the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, where health and environment remain key pillars.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the reintroduction of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise aimed at promoting cleaner communities.
According to him, the state government remains focused on building a healthier and more resilient Lagos through structured environmental policies and enforcement.
He urged LASEPA to sustain its efforts in pollution control, ecosystem protection, and environmental monitoring across the state.
The Special Adviser also called on residents, market associations, youth groups, and business operators to actively participate in environmental sustainability efforts.
He encouraged young people to remain focused, avoid negative influences, and embrace opportunities that support leadership development and civic responsibility.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
He was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Adeniran Kasali, who noted that environmental issues such as pollution, waste management, and climate change require coordinated action.
According to him, effective environmental governance depends on collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, private sector players, and citizens.
He commended LASEPA for creating an intellectual platform that connects students with policymakers and environmental experts.
LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, highlighted recent interventions by the agency in response to environmental concerns, including the Ogijo pollution incident.
He explained that environmental surveillance has been strengthened across industrial corridors and affected communities.
Dr. Ajayi noted that additional monitoring devices have been deployed along border areas to enhance real-time environmental tracking.
He added that early-warning systems have been introduced to detect environmental changes and support rapid response mechanisms.
According to him, these measures are part of efforts to improve environmental safety and prevent future incidents.
He stressed the importance of stronger environmental regulation and enforcement across Lagos and neighbouring regions.
Dr. Ajayi also called for enhanced cooperation between federal and state environmental agencies to address industrial pollution effectively.
The debate competition featured six finalists selected from preliminary rounds held at the LASEPA Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.
The finalists included Yakub Abdullahi Eniola, Igbinosa Delight Nosa, Fajana Olamide Mary, Daniel Oluwatise Akinkuowo, Aderinto Esther Oluwatobiloba, and Ndukaire Onyinyechi.
After intense debate sessions, three finalists advanced to the final stage, showcasing strong analytical and communication skills on environmental policy issues.
The final round produced Fajana Olamide Mary of Lagos State University (LASU) as the Overall Winner of the competition.
She received a cash prize of ₦2 million alongside other gift items in recognition of her outstanding performance.
The organizers described the competition as a success, noting that it continues to inspire young Nigerians to engage in environmental advocacy and policy discussions.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that such initiatives will strengthen awareness and drive sustainable environmental practices across Lagos State.
