The FABE Foundation International has deepened its collaboration with the Lagos State Government to tackle environmental challenges through child-focused education on circular economy and sustainable practices.

This formed the focus of discussions at the EcoSchoolsNG Youth Climate & Circular Economy Summit and Annual Closeout and Innovation Showcase 2026, held on Monday in Lagos, where stakeholders stressed the role of young people in driving environmental solutions across the state.

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 strategy of using education and awareness to address environmental issues.

He said, “For the Eco Ambassadors, the expectation from them is to bring more innovation into the system because no single solution can solve the issues that we are trying to tackle.”

Bankole added that the state’s policies, including the ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics, require complementary innovations such as recycling and upcycling, which the programme seeks to instil in students.

He said, “If you notice that last year, the Lagos State Government banned the use of Styrofoam and single-use plastic because of the dangers of these elements, but we can also recycle the single-use plastic and make something through upcycling, and this is what this programme is trying to achieve.”

Highlighting the importance of early education, he noted that children could influence behavioural change within households and communities.

He noted, “We believe that teaching a child something and that child can change his or her family and the whole community because they are still able to correct, and they can be role models for their peers in the school.”

Bankole further emphasised the urgency of climate action, noting that vulnerable groups, particularly children, bear the brunt of climate change impacts despite Africa’s relatively low contribution to global emissions.

He said, “Africa cumulatively contributes about four per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, which is negligible; however, we feel the impact of climate change more than any other group.”

He urged students to take ownership of environmental solutions, adding, “They are not the future; they are the solution. Use your voice positively, be the change in your school, be the solution in your home, recycle, upcycle, and innovate.”

In her address, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of FABE Foundation International, Temitope Okunnu, said Nigeria already possesses the ideas and human capital needed to address climate challenges, particularly through its youth.

She said, “Nigeria is not lacking solutions to the climate crisis; our young people are here today to tell us that they have the solutions, they have the ideas, and they know how to make it work.”

Okunnu said the EcoSchoolsNG initiative had continued to empower students with practical skills in sustainability, waste management, and food production through eco-gardens and recycling systems.

She said, “Through EcoSchoolsNG, over 130,000 students in 174 schools have already taken action since 2016, and they are not just learning, they are acting, building recycling systems and growing food through zero-waste eco-gardens.”

She added that the initiative was helping to build a pipeline of future workers for Nigeria’s green economy.

Okunnu said, “This is the pipeline of Nigeria’s green economy workforce that you are seeing here; the organisations supporting this movement are not only supporting events but investing in Nigeria’s future economy.”

She stressed that young participants were already leading sustainability efforts in their schools and communities.

She said, “Our young people are not leaders of tomorrow; they are already leading today, and with the knowledge and practical skills they have, they must teach others and amplify these solutions.”

The summit showcased student-led projects focused on recycling, upcycling, and sustainable agriculture, reinforcing the role of education in driving grassroots environmental change.