Aurora International Charity Foundation (AICF), in partnership with Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), will on Tuesday, November 11 hold the 2nd edition of Catch Them Young Environmental Awareness Convention in Lagos.
With the theme: ‘Our Lagos, Our Future: Inspiring Young Minds for Sustainable Change’ the summit will have in attendance over 1,500 students from Lagos public secondary schools, alongside teachers, eco-advocates, influencers, celebrities, youth leaders and policymakers.
President, Aurora International Charity Foundation and convention convener, Ambassador Tomi Lydia Salami, said the summit is a bold call to action focusing on building a generation of environmentally conscious young leaders equipped with the knowledge, creativity and civic responsibility to safeguard Lagos’ long-term sustainability.
“With Lagos rapidly urbanising and facing increasing climate impact and environmental pressure, Aurora International Charity Foundation and LASEPA share a joint commitment to strengthening environmental education at the student level, as a long-term behavioural change strategy,” she said, adding “Lagos is not just a place we live – it is a legacy we are all responsible for. To truly protect our future, we must start by educating those who will inherit it.”
The former beauty queen and social entrepreneur reiterated that the convention would feature keynote sessions, eco-challenges, interactive panels, awards, climate education engagements and inspirational storytelling from role models driving environmental impact across Nigeria.
“It will also serve as a platform to nurture leadership, community advocacy, innovation and civic responsibility among young Lagosians who will one day shape policy direction, sustainable business models, and community action,” she noted.
Tomi Salami studied English at the University of Ilorin, and later proceeded to New York where she studied Fashion and Events Planning. In 2012, she won MBGN Face of Select pro, then Miss Tourism Nigeria and was selected to represent Nigeria in Thailand.
A former banker, having volunteered for a lifetime of charity works, Salami came up with the idea of Kits for Kids in 2013. She gave out items such as school bags, books, sandals, lunch box, stationery, and other basic necessities for the less privileged kids.
Over the years, the ex-beauty queen has been on a mission of advocacy for clean energy, climate action and environmental protection through her NGO, Aurora International Charity Foundation, and has established a track record of successfully impacting over 30,000 adults, youths and children across the country, using various platforms of education, welfare, empowerment and health.
This year’s edition will build on the success of her 2024 debut, which convened nearly 1,000 students in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, and received strong public endorsement for youth participation in sustainability initiatives.
