Lagos Ignites Youth Climate Revolution with Innovation Drive
A renewed push to tackle environmental challenges through education is gaining traction in Lagos, as FABE Foundation International strengthens its partnership with the Lagos State Government to groom young climate champions.
The collaboration took centre stage at the EcoSchoolsNG Youth Climate & Circular Economy Summit and Annual Closeout and Innovation Showcase 2026, where stakeholders highlighted the growing role of children and young people in shaping practical environmental solutions across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, represented by the Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning Deployment, Michael Bankole, said the initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy of using education and awareness to drive environmental change.
According to him, the Eco Ambassadors programme is designed to spark innovation among students, stressing that no single solution can address the complex environmental issues facing the state. He noted that recent government policies—such as the ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics—require complementary solutions like recycling and upcycling, which the initiative is actively promoting among participants.
Bankole emphasised the power of early education, noting that children can serve as change agents within their homes and communities. By instilling sustainable habits at a young age, he said, students are better positioned to influence behavioural change and inspire their peers.
He also underscored the urgency of climate action, pointing out that although Africa contributes only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, it continues to experience disproportionate environmental impacts, especially among vulnerable groups like children.
Encouraging participants to take ownership, he urged them to embrace their role as solution drivers, calling on them to innovate, recycle, and champion sustainability within their immediate environments.
In her remarks, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FABE Foundation International, Temitope Okunnu, said Nigeria is not short of ideas or talent to confront climate challenges, particularly with the energy and creativity of its youth.
She highlighted the impact of the EcoSchoolsNG initiative, noting that since its inception, more than 130,000 students across 174 schools have been actively engaged in sustainability projects. These include building recycling systems, managing waste, and cultivating food through zero-waste eco-gardens.
Okunnu described the programme as a critical pipeline for Nigeria’s emerging green economy, adding that supporting such initiatives goes beyond event sponsorship—it is an investment in the country’s future workforce.
She also stressed that young people are already leading change, not waiting for the future, as they continue to drive sustainability efforts within their schools and communities while spreading knowledge and practical solutions.
The summit featured a range of student-led innovations focused on recycling, upcycling, and sustainable agriculture, reinforcing the idea that education, when paired with action, can drive meaningful grassroots transformation in the fight against climate change.
