- Partners E-Tranzact To Organise Environmental Summit Featuring Essay/Debate Competitions For Tertiary Institutions
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the environment and inculcating sustainable environmental practices in the youth for a better future.
In fulfilment of this vision, the agency, in partnership with the e-Tranzact company, successfully organised the year 2025 Inter-Tertiary Institutions Environmental Summit, featuring essay writings and debate competitions among Tertiary institutions in the State.
The grand finale of the keenly contested competition was held on Tuesday at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, where Lagos State University, Ojo, came first in the debate competitions with a cumulative 88.4 points to beat its closest opponent, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, with 76.8 points.
In the essay competition category, Chinonye Ruth Ibeakanma of the University of Lagos came first, while Oguejiofor Nkemakonam Anthony of the University of Lagos came second. David Gabriel Victor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology came 3rd, while the 4th and 5th positions go to Olugbenga Tolulope and Oladejo Faizah Eniola of Lagos State University of Education.
The initiative, which began with preliminary rounds of debate on May 19, 2025, brought together students from tertiary institutions from across Lagos, including Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Saint Augustine College of Education, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Following a rigorous and intellectually engaging session, LASU and LASUSTECH emerged as finalists in the debate competition category, while the five best essay entries were shortlisted for the finals.
The debate topic, “Plastic Pollution and the Challenges of Just Transition in a Developing Economy: Lagos as a Case Study,” saw LASU arguing in support of the motion, while LASUSTECH opposed it. Both teams demonstrated commendable skills, depth of research, and passion for environmental sustainability.
The essay writing competition is themed “Sustainable Development in Lagos Coastal Regions: Balancing Blue Economic Expansion with Environmental Protection.”
In his welcome address, LASEPA’s General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi underscored the agency’s commitment to involving the youth in environmental advocacy. He underscored the importance of succession planning and the role of the younger generation in implementing sustainable environmental policies.
Dr. Ajayi also hinted at LASEPA’s forthcoming enforcement plan for the single-use plastic ban, effective from July 2025, encouraging stakeholders to embrace alternatives such as paper bags, reusable packaging, and thicker plastic materials over those below 40 microns
Delivering her keynote address, the Guest Speaker and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih praised the vision behind the initiative and the enthusiasm of participating students.
Dr. Finnih highlighted the pressing environmental issues faced by the State, such as rising sea levels, flooding, waste generation, and plastic pollution, and commended the government’s ongoing efforts to combat these challenges through policy and youth engagement.
Representing eTranzact company, Deputy General Manager, Public Sector Business & MDAs, Mrs. Adedayo Adejokun expressed pride in supporting the initiative, noting that environmental preservation is a legacy for future generations.
She emphasised the role of innovation in sustainable development and encouraged young Nigerians to lead by example in daily environmental practices
The event featured the presentation of trophies and cheque prizes ranging from ₦1m to ₦150,000.
