LAGOS, June 6, 2026 — The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged young people to embrace environmental responsibility by adopting sustainable lifestyles and becoming champions of climate action.
She made the appeal during a goodwill address delivered at the 53rd World Environment Day celebration hosted by Trinity University, Yaba.
Represented by Mrs Tawakalitu Toriola of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Sanwo-Olu described young people as vital partners in the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future.
She encouraged them to take practical steps such as reducing waste, conserving energy, planting trees, supporting environmental research and leveraging technology to tackle climate-related challenges.
According to her, young people possess the innovation, creativity and determination required to drive meaningful climate action and influence positive environmental change.
Speaking on the event’s theme, “Global Call for Climate Action,” she stressed the importance of safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Sanwo-Olu noted that climate change continues to affect communities through rising temperatures, flooding, drought, desertification, biodiversity loss and growing threats to food security.
She observed that Lagos, being a coastal megacity experiencing rapid urban growth, faces significant environmental pressures that demand collaborative and forward-thinking solutions.
Among the major concerns she highlighted were flooding, coastal erosion, environmental degradation and challenges associated with waste management.
The governor’s wife stated that the Lagos State Government remains focused on promoting sustainability through initiatives that support ecosystem conservation, renewable energy adoption, climate resilience and improved waste management systems.
She further emphasised the strong link between environmental quality and public health, noting that access to clean air, safe water and healthy surroundings is essential for human well-being.
Sanwo-Olu maintained that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility and encouraged individuals to contribute through responsible waste disposal, recycling, reduced plastic use, water conservation and other sustainable practices.
She also called on tertiary institutions to deepen environmental awareness by promoting research, innovation, advocacy and community-based initiatives.
In a separate goodwill message, the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr Babatunde Ajayi, urged stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in addressing environmental concerns.
Represented by the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Environmental Protection Matters, Mrs Tolulope Adebowale, Ajayi said issues such as pollution, climate change, environmental degradation and rapid urbanisation require coordinated efforts from all sectors of society.
He reaffirmed LASEPA’s dedication to enforcing environmental standards, encouraging regulatory compliance and increasing public participation in environmental protection programmes.
Ajayi also highlighted the crucial role of young people in driving environmental progress and creating a sustainable future.
He praised Trinity University for creating a platform that fosters dialogue, learning and collaboration on environmental issues.
He noted that collective individual actions, no matter how small, can generate significant positive outcomes for the environment and enhance the quality of life for both current and future generations.
The event attracted environmental experts, policymakers, academics and students who explored practical approaches to combating climate change and advancing sustainable development.