LASU student wins LASEPA Environmental Debate, bags N2 million prize

A Mass Communication student of Lagos State University, Fajana Olamide Mary, has emerged winner of the 2026 Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) Inter-Tertiary Institutions Environmental Debate Competition, securing a cash prize of N2 million.

Fajana clinched the top prize after emerging as one of six finalists in the grand finale of the second edition of the competition, which focused on the theme: “Combating Trans-Boundary Pollution in Lagos State: A City-Level Intervention or National Efforts?”

The event was held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium within the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja on Tuesday.

Speaking with journalists after her victory, Fajana expressed confidence in the capacity of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency to address the challenge of trans-boundary pollution in the state.

She noted that stronger collaboration between LASEPA and other environmental agencies, particularly the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, would significantly contribute to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.

The debate formed part of the 2026 Inter-Tertiary Institutions Environmental Summit 2.0 organised by LASEPA to encourage young people to contribute innovative ideas and practical solutions to environmental challenges.

In his address, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi, described the programme as a strategic initiative aimed at engaging youths in meaningful conversations and actions that promote environmental sustainability.

According to him, the competition reflects LASEPA’s commitment to nurturing a generation that is environmentally conscious, innovative and solution-driven.

Rotimi recalled that the winner of the maiden edition of the competition was also a student of Lagos State University, Mr. Oladipupo Ramadan, describing his achievement as a source of inspiration to participants.

He commended all 212 students who participated in the competition and congratulated the 10 contestants who reached the preliminary stage, as well as the six finalists who advanced to the grand finale after what he described as a rigorous and transparent selection process.

The Special Adviser further lauded LASEPA for placing young people at the centre of its environmental advocacy efforts, noting that such initiatives align with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to build a greener, cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.

He also urged the agency to sustain its environmental protection programmes, pollution control measures and ecosystem preservation initiatives.

Earlier, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, explained that the agency deliberately chose tertiary institutions as the focal point for discussions on trans-boundary pollution because universities remain centres of innovation, research and creative problem-solving.

Ajayi disclosed that beyond public awareness campaigns, the Lagos State Government had intensified environmental monitoring at key entry points into the state and deployed early warning and alert systems to detect and respond swiftly to pollution threats before they escalate.