Babajide Fadoju
The 2025 edition of the Catch Them Young Environmental Awareness Convention (CTY2025) has been hailed as a resounding success, drawing hundreds of students, partners, and environmental advocates together for a day of learning, inspiration, and shared commitment to sustainability.
Organised by the Aurora International Charity Foundation (AICF) in partnership with the Lagos State Government, the second edition of the convention was themed “Our Lagos, Our Future: Inspiring Young Minds for Sustainable Change.” The event held at the main Auditorium, Unilag Lagos brought together schools from across the state to engage with experts on how young people can become key players in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable city.
Representing the state government, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), joined as a keynote participant. He commended the Aurora Foundation for its vision and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to environmental education at the grassroots.
Dr. Ajayi, who spoke passionately to the young attendees, urged them to see themselves as “guardians of the city’s tomorrow.” He encouraged the students to embrace simple but consistent habits that promote sustainability, such as waste separation, energy conservation, and noise reduction. “The sustainability of Lagos rests in your curious minds and capable hands,” he told the students, adding that LASEPA remains committed to supporting youth-led environmental action through school programs, awareness campaigns, and mentorship.
The event was supported by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, reflecting Lagos State’s continued investment in environmental education and youth inclusion in climate action.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Tomi Salami, founder of the Aurora Foundation, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for “throwing its full weight behind the initiative” and to all sponsors and partners who made CTY2025 possible.
Notable supporters included Mrs. Canada 2025, 12 Baskets, Seven Up Bottling Company, Arise News, BellaNaija, Emergency Rescue, B & C Fabs, and several individual donors and volunteers.
One of the emotional highlights of the day came when the audience rose to celebrate Ms. Salami’s mother, who flew into Nigeria to attend the event, receiving a heartfelt birthday serenade from the entire auditorium.
Beyond the festivities, CTY2025 left a lasting impression on the students who participated, equipping them with a clearer understanding of their role in Lagos’s environmental future.
The Aurora Foundation has confirmed that the Catch Them Young initiative will continue to expand, with more programs planned to strengthen environmental leadership among young people across the state.
“CTY2025 was more than an event,” Ms. Salami said. “It was a seed, one we are confident will grow into a forest of positive change for Lagos.”