As part of efforts aimed at galvanising the youths towards environmental sustainability, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) held a sensitisation and awareness programme, themed, “The Power of Small Actions: How Individuals Shape a Sustainable World” at Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Otto/Ijanikin, recently.

The event brought together top government representatives, university management, and students, all committed to strengthening the culture of environmental sustainability.

Those present included Technical Assistant to the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, Zainab Otunbanjo; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Union Affairs, Tertiary Education, Lagos State, Olawale Samuel Kappo; Dean of Student Affairs, LASUED, Dr. R.A. Daudu and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Environmental Protection Matters, Tolulope Adebowale.

In her opening remark, Otunbanjo urged the students to see themselves as part of the solution to environmental challenges, stressing that “every action counts.”

The keynote address was delivered by Kappo, also encouraged the students to put their future into consideration by adopting sustainable habits, noting that small individual actions collectively shape a better world.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, represented by the Dean of Students, expressed delight in the collaboration between LASEPA and LASUED.

She emphasised the need for students to become advocates of environmental sanitation. She implored them to speak against deforestation, and cultivate and preserve trees.

On her part, Adebowale illustrated how small careless actions, such as indiscriminate waste disposal, contribute to flooding and environmental degradation. She encouraged students to embrace sustainable habits such as proper waste disposal, conserving energy and water, tree planting, and reducing single-use plastics.

She added that universities are spaces for innovation and problem-solving, urging students not to wait for government alone to act.