Sustainable Solutions Must Begin With Personal Responsibility – Says Lagos State Govt

The Lagos Government over the weekend, restated that as the challenges of climate change, waste management, and environmental degradation intensify globally, it has become increasingly imperative that sustainable solutions must begin with awareness and personal responsibility of all.

 

Speaking during the year 2025 Environmental Bees Club (EBC) Members and Handlers Sensitisation Programme held at Alausa, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Tajudeen Gaji, said the sensitisation must be more than a learning exercise but a call to action.

The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director, Environmental Education Unit, Mrs. Monsurat Banire, said the programme is not merely about sharing information but about transforming mindsets and inspiring action.

He added that the annual sensitisation programme is an event that continues to serve as a beacon of hope in the State Government’s collective pursuit for a cleaner and sustainable environment.

He said the EBC represents the visionary approach by the State government, one that recognises the power of young people as agents of change as well as engaging students in hands-on environmental projects and educational activities,

Gaji explained that this year’s sensitisation focuses on practical environmental stewardship, which encourages participants to think critically, act responsibly and advocate for sustainability in their schools and communities.

He stated further that the inclusion of the Eco-Winner Sustainability tour added a refreshing competitive spirit, rewarding excellence and innovation among students who demonstrate deep environmental commitments.

He added that the present administration remains steadfast in implementing programmes and policies that promote environmental sustainability from waste management reforms to green infrastructure, renewable energy sustainability, and public awareness campaigns.

He emphasised that the success of the initiatives depends largely on collective responsibility, saying that the government cannot do it alone, but students, teachers, parents, and communities have roles to play in building a resilient and sustainable Lagos.

He commended the effort of the dedicated EBC handlers (teachers) for their unwavering support and guidance, saying they are the bridge between policy and practice, as well as translating environmental education into real-life impact.

He advised the students that the knowledge they gain now must become the foundation for tomorrow’s solutions because the future is theirs to shape.

Earlier in her welcome address, a Deputy Director, Environmental Education Unit, Mrs, Esther Olaleye said through the engagements, participants will not only learn but also be inspired to act in their schools, communities and beyond.

She stressed that this year’s edition is particularly exciting because participants from all six Education Districts came to a single location to create opportunities for wider participation and greater impact.

“As we begin this sensitisation exercise, I urge everyone to participate fully, share ideas, and think innovatively. Let us continue to build an environmentally conscious generation that understands that sustainability is not just a goal, but a way of life” she said.

During the training session, a Deputy Director, Environmental Assessment, Dr Lasisi Adedoyin, delivered a lecture titled “Understanding Healthy and Sustainable Environment”, describing Climate change as the average condition in a region over a long period of time.

He added that in technical terms, the preventive measures of combating climate change are called mitigation measures, while the adjustable measures are called Adaptation measures.

The event also featured the presentation of prizes to students who distinguished themselves during the training sessions as they all went home with very attractive prizes.