Six Lagos students win prizes in Green Essay contest

AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM) held its 2026 international conference at the University of Lagos, where it awarded six students for their performance in a Green Essay Competition. The event served as a platform for experts to discuss urgent environmental threats, including flooding risks in Lagos and the necessity of integrating technology with policy.
Context & Background
- ✦Lagos faces significant environmental pressure from rising sea levels and the loss of natural ecosystems like mangroves and wetlands to urban development.
- ✦There is a growing call among environmentalists and academics for the Lagos State Government to prioritize ecological preservation over profit-driven construction projects.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Desmond Majekodunmi, environmentalist, warned against the destruction of wetlands and mangroves for sand-filling projects.•Dr. Idowu Aneyo, President of SETPOM, emphasized that environmental research must translate into practical solutions and policies.•Dr. Funmilayo Doherty was awarded the 2026 SETPOM Fellow Award for her contributions to environmental skills development.
Outlook & Next Steps
SETPOM aims to continue using its platform to bridge the gap between academic research, industry practices, and government policy to foster sustainable environmental solutions.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Six Lagos secondary school students received cash prizes for their performance in the 2026 Green Essay Competition organized by SETPOM.
- Environmentalist Desmond Majekodunmi warned that Lagos faces severe flooding risks due to rising sea levels and the destruction of wetlands and mangroves for construction.
- Experts at the SETPOM conference advocated for the integration of artificial intelligence, scientific research, and stronger environmental governance to address ecological challenges.
Key Facts:Tuesday, 2026: The 2026 SETPOM international conference and the announcement of essay winners took place on Tuesday at the University of Lagos.N100,000, N70,000, N50,000: Winners in both the junior and senior categories received cash prizes of N100,000 for first place, N70,000 for second place, and N50,000 for third place.
Editorial Excerpt
Six secondary school students in Lagos State have won cash prizes in the 2026 Green Essay Competition organised by SETPOM for their performances.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the primary purpose of the Green Essay Competition?
The competition is designed to encourage young people to engage with environmental issues and promote sustainability through education.
Why does Desmond Majekodunmi believe parts of Lagos are at risk of flooding?
He attributes the risk to rising sea levels caused by global warming and the destruction of natural defenses like wetlands and mangroves due to sand-filling for construction.