LAGOS STATE HOSTS SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME ON ROAD SIGNS AND CLIMATE CHANGE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ACROSS LAGOS’ SIX EDUCATION DISTRICTS

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to promote safety consciousness and environmental responsibility among young people with the organization of a one-day sensitization programme on road safety and climate change for teachers and students across the six education districts in the state.

The programme, held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, was organized by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and the Office of Environmental Services.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu Adegbite, described the initiative as timely and essential, noting that road safety and environmental sustainability are critical issues that directly impact daily life and the future of the state. She emphasized that many road accidents are linked not only to reckless driving but also to a lack of proper understanding of road signs and safety rules.

According to her, road signs are life-saving tools that guide road users, ensure orderly traffic movement, and protect pedestrians, especially students. She added that the programme was designed to equip participants with knowledge of road signs, promote safe road behaviour, and instill discipline in road usage.

Speaking on climate change, Mrs. Adegbite highlighted that the effects of environmental degradation, including flooding, rising temperatures, and irregular weather patterns, are already evident. She urged schools to adopt sustainable practices such as proper waste disposal, reduced plastic use, tree planting, and conservation of energy and water.

She further encouraged teachers to integrate these lessons into classroom activities, stressing that education remains a powerful tool for societal transformation.

Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, reiterated the state government’s commitment to raising responsible, safety-conscious, and environmentally aware citizens.

He noted that education goes beyond classroom learning, stressing the importance of preparing students to live responsibly, protect their environment, and navigate society safely.

He explained that Lagos, as a coastal city, faces significant climate challenges such as flooding, heatwaves, and rising sea levels, but emphasized that collective action can mitigate these effects.

The Commissioner encouraged students and teachers to adopt practical environmental habits, including reducing, reusing, and recycling materials, minimizing the use of single-use plastics, planting trees, conserving energy, and maintaining proper waste disposal to prevent drainage blockage and flooding.

On road safety, he stressed that safety on the roads depends on understanding traffic rules, avoiding distractions, and showing mutual respect among all road users. He described road safety as a shared responsibility involving motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists, urging participants to become ambassadors of safety within their communities.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the government is working on initiatives to establish Safety and Environment Clubs in schools, as well as reward institutions that demonstrate excellence in environmental cleanliness and student safety.

The programme featured two technical sessions delivered by representatives of key partner agencies. The first session, led by Engineer Ojowuro Olasunkanmi from the Ministry of Transportation, focused on road safety and the interpretation of road signs in public secondary schools. The session provided practical insights into traffic regulations and the importance of adherence to road signs to prevent accidents.

The second session, facilitated by Mr. Abass Muhammad from the Office of Environmental Services, addressed climate change and environmental sustainability. Participants were educated on the causes and effects of climate change and the role individuals and schools can play in promoting a healthier environment.

In her vote of thanks, the Director of Science and Technology, Mrs. Grace Akinfoyewa, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, facilitators, and participants for their contributions to the success of the programme. She urged attendees to apply the knowledge gained and extend its impact within their respective schools and communities.

The sensitization programme underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable society through education and active youth engagement.

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