Oke-Ira Senior Grammar School, representing Education District VI, has emerged the overall winner of the 2025 Inter-Secondary School Environmental Competition organised by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in partnership with the Earthplus Environmental Sustainability Network.
EpeInsights gathered that the grand finale of the keenly contested competition, themed “Solutions for a Viable Environment: Towards a Future with Zero Plastic Pollution,” was held at the LASEPA Headquarters, Alausa, Ikeja, over the weekend.
Ten public and private schools made it to the finals, showcasing innovative and practical solutions aimed at tackling plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.
Participating schools included Ojodu Junior School (Success Team), Grandmate School (The Collectables), Keke Senior High School (Trash to Treasure), Bolade Senior Grammar School (Transparent Land), Army Cantonment Junior High School (Green Minds), Birch Freeman Senior High School (Ecovators), Ikeja Senior Grammar School (Eco Cycle), Oke-Ira Senior Grammar School (Young Environmentalists), and Oshodi Comprehensive Junior High School (Nature Lovers).
At the end of the competition, Oke-Ira Senior Grammar School, represented by The Young Environmentalists, clinched the first position, receiving a cash prize of ₦500,000. Grandmates School (The Collectables) and Oshodi Comprehensive Junior High School (Nature Lovers) came second and third respectively, and were presented with valuable prizes in recognition of their outstanding efforts.
Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen-Gaji, represented by Dr. Sojunu Olasunkanmi, commended the students for their creativity and commitment to environmental protection.
He noted that the theme of the competition aligns with the State Government’s mission to build a flood-free, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing Lagos through sustainable waste management.
Dr. Gaji described plastic pollution as one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, contributing to flooding, marine degradation, and contamination of waterways.
He also highlighted the government’s proactive policies, including the recent ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics, aimed at safeguarding public health and the ecosystem.
In his welcome remarks, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, described Project SOLVE 2.0 as a platform to harness the creativity of young Nigerians toward addressing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable living. “It is heartwarming to see children take up the responsibility of protecting our environment and leading the fight against plastic pollution,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director, Partnership, Grant Management and Innovation, Mrs. Olabisi Shonibare, stressed the importance of collaboration under SDG 17 – Partnerships for Development, noting that lasting environmental solutions require joint efforts among government, private sector and citizens.
“We are pushing this message to young people because they represent the future of sustainable action,” she added.
Representing Earthplus, the Deputy Team Lead, Mrs. Mosadoluwa Otenaike, explained that the youth-led non-profit organisation is focused on turning environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and sustainable development.
She said Project SOLVE 2.0 was conceptualised to inspire students to design scalable and impactful solutions in line with the 2025 World Environment Day theme on plastic pollution.
According to her, numerous entries were received from across Lagos, particularly from pollution-prone communities, with ten exceptional teams making it to the final stage. Each presented innovative, low-cost, and community-focused projects designed to achieve a future with zero plastic pollution.
The event reinforced the State Government’s commitment to empowering young people as agents of environmental change, fostering creativity, and promoting a sustainable future for all Lagosians.
