The Lagos State government, through its Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and Gracefield Island have given support to the ÈKÓ EnviroTalk’s environmental sustainability summer bootcamp being organised for youths in the state. While Gracefield Island is the event sponsor, support for the initiative also comes from Centre for 21st Century Issues.
ÈKÓ EnviroTalk, an independent environmental sustainability Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Monday, flagged off the summer bootcamp to educate youths on how to sustain the environment.
The summer adventure aims to help participants build green skills and lead the change for a better planet through interactive workshops and seminars, field excursions, and advocacy trainings. Participants were drawn from age range of 13-25 years.
Lasisi Adedoyin, programme coordinator at ÈKÓ EnviroTalk, explained at a virtual opening ceremony in Lagos that the summer camp was aimed to groom environmental sustainability champions.
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Adedoyin explained further that the 2025 Young Leaders for Sustainable Environment Programme (YLSEP) cohort will have the opportunity to build the skills and connections that will drive positive changes in their communities.
“The contributions will align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 4, 11, 12, 13, and 15 for Quality Education; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Climate Action and Life on Land,” he said.
“And together, we are creating a healthier environment and a better future for Lagos and communities across the globe,” he added.
Adedoyin commended the event sponsor, Gracefield Island and partners, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Centre for 21st Century Issues for their support towards the pursuit of environmental sustainability goals.
He assured the 2025 cohort that the programme will be an unforgettable week of learning and of taking bold steps towards a sustainable future.
ÈKÓ EnviroTalk, according to him, believes that young people can drive real change, adding that the NGO’s mission is to make environmental issues understandable with actions through science communication and community-based projects.
“We’re dedicated to nurturing a new generation of sustainability leaders, especially through knowledge products like this summer camp, creative competitions and youth empowerment initiatives,” he said.
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Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Office of Environmental Services, conveyed the ministry’s appreciation for the opportunity to partner with the NGO on the “timely initiative”.
Omobolaji, represented by Ilori Temitope, said his ministry was deeply committed to promoting eco-conscious practices, strengthening climate education and empowering young people to build greener and more resilient communities across Lagos.
He assured the organisers of the ministry’s continued support while thanking ÈKÓ EnviroTalk for its commitment to mentoring and nurturing young changemakers.
He explained that the programme aligned with the state government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda, adding, “let us be reminded that sustainability is not solely a government’s mandate. It is a shared responsibility.
“We must actively include the youths in shaping solutions, driving climate action and championing the course by spreading the sustainable messages within their respective domains,” he said.
He commended ÈKÓ EnviroTalk for its dedication to environmental education and advocacy towards empowerment of the next generation of leaders for building a more sustainable environment.
“Your passion and innovation are exactly what we need to chart a smart city of Lagos and a healthier planet. As we gather here today, we cannot ignore the pressing challenges facing our planet. The climate crisis is no longer a distant concern; it is a daily reality from unprecedented flooding and plastic pollution to extreme heat, poverty and food insecurity; the signs are staring at us.
But alongside these challenges, we are also witnessing the rise of a new wave of courageous, visionary youth leaders like those gathered here who are choosing action over apathy.
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“I strongly believe that the participants of this program are part of the rising force that represents urgency, courage and the ability to reimagine what sustainability means in real and local terms,” he said.
Oreoluwa Babajide, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Gracefield Island, outlined environmental challenges and how the bootcamp will provide long-term solutions, urging the participants to continue being worthy environment ambassadors.
Gbemisola Akosa, CEO, Centre for 21st Century Issues, commended the participants while reeling out interventions of her organisation towards environmental sustainability. She explained how the 2025 cohort would shape environmental sustainability actions that would make a positive impact to transform the world.
The 25 cohort members drawn from across the nation took turns to list their expectations for the five-day event in order to be able to support and give back to the environment.
