By Benson Daniel
The Lagos State Government has called on young people to take a more active role in protecting the state’s oceans, waterways and wider environment, stressing that youth participation is essential to achieving long term environmental sustainability.
The appeal was made as part of activities promoting environmental awareness and encouraging young people to become active participants in efforts to protect marine ecosystems and reduce pollution across the state.
The government said the increasing pressure on coastal and marine environments requires stronger public participation, particularly among youths who represent a significant part of the population and will ultimately inherit the consequences of environmental degradation.
It urged young people to develop greater awareness of the impact of human activities on oceans and waterways, including indiscriminate waste disposal, plastic pollution, blockage of drainage channels and other practices that contribute to environmental damage.
The government noted that protecting marine ecosystems is not solely the responsibility of government agencies, saying individuals, communities, businesses, schools and civil society organisations all have important roles to play.
Lagos, with its extensive coastline, lagoons and network of waterways, faces significant environmental pressures associated with rapid urbanisation, population growth and increased waste generation.
Plastic waste and other forms of pollution can enter waterways and eventually reach the ocean, posing risks to aquatic life and affecting the livelihoods of communities that depend on marine resources.
The government therefore encouraged youths to support initiatives aimed at waste reduction, recycling, responsible waste disposal and the protection of coastal areas.
It also called for greater innovation among young people, particularly through the development of environmental solutions that can address challenges associated with plastic waste, flooding, sanitation and marine pollution.
According to the state, youth involvement should go beyond participation in environmental campaigns and include entrepreneurship, advocacy, research and community based initiatives capable of producing lasting solutions.
The government further stressed the importance of environmental education in schools and other learning institutions, saying early awareness could help establish responsible environmental habits among younger generations.
Stakeholders in environmental management have similarly emphasised the need for coordinated action to protect oceans and other water bodies from pollution.
They have warned that environmental degradation can have far reaching economic and social consequences, including damage to fisheries, loss of biodiversity, threats to public health and reduced opportunities for coastal communities.
The government said sustainable environmental management must therefore remain a collective responsibility, with residents encouraged to understand the connection between everyday activities and the health of the environment.
It also urged young people to use digital platforms and social media to promote environmental awareness, educate their communities and encourage responsible behaviour.
The call forms part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability in Lagos and ensure that the state’s coastal and marine resources are protected for future generations.
By encouraging youths to participate actively in conservation efforts, the government believes the state can build a stronger culture of environmental responsibility while creating opportunities for young people to contribute to the development of practical solutions.
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