By Emamuzo Iboma
Lagos students have made history by leading what they boldly call the “largest environmental cleanup in Lagos State,” showcasing unmatched youth power in the fight against pollution.
The massive operation, held at Iyana-Iba Market in Ojo Local Government Area, saw hundreds of vibrant student volunteers, community members, and partner organisations join forces in a bold bid to clean up the city and champion sustainable practices.
In a show of exceptional unity and determination, young Nigerians rolled up their sleeves, removing tonnes of plastics, cans, and other refuse — turning the market into a shining example of environmental activism.
The event was a collaboration between the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Lagos, development partners, NGOs, and the Lagos Waste Management Authority, demonstrating the power of youth-led action.
NANS Lagos PRO Ridwan Ajayi declared, “This historic cleanup at Iyana-Iba Market brought together hundreds of passionate student leaders, community members, and partner organisations like GenImpact Africa, Lima Adejoke Foundation, and LASU Rotaract to fight pollution head-on. We didn’t just clean; we educated traders and residents on sustainable waste management and recycling — a blueprint for Lagos’s future!”
Ajayi also praised the Lagos Waste Management Authority for swiftly evacuating the waste, ensuring the city’s streets stayed clean and safe. The organisers hailed the event as a shining example of youth initiative and cross-sector collaboration, part of a broader push to involve young people in climate action and sustainable development goals.
“This is just the beginning,” NANS Lagos said. “Our youth are ready to lead Nigeria into a cleaner, greener future — and today proved we have the strength, passion, and unity to make it happen!”
As Nigeria joins over 190 countries in this global movement, Lagos’s youth have once again proven that when young people lead the charge, real change is unstoppable. Watch out, world — Lagos is cleaning up and leading the way.
