LAGOS/Nigeria: In a creative shift to deepen environmental awareness, the Lagos State Government has unveiled “Library on the Lagoon,” a floating, interactive platform designed to engage residents directly with the realities of pollution and sustainability across the state’s waterways.
The initiative was introduced at an event in Lagos by the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Tunde Ajayi, who represented the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Project Director, Mrs Maryam Kazeem, described the concept as a departure from traditional learning spaces, explaining that the lagoon itself becomes a living classroom where participants interact, reflect and engage with environmental issues in real time.
According to her, the initiative emerged from a year-long research process aimed at redefining how people connect with water bodies, transforming the lagoon into a dynamic space for dialogue and shared learning.
Participants, she said, are guided through activities that encourage them to reflect on the history, current state and future of the lagoon, while also confronting the growing threat of pollution.
Kazeem highlighted the introduction of creative tools, including a prototype trash collection system powered by a typewriter, designed to spark curiosity and stimulate conversation around waste management.
“The idea is to invite people to sit with the water, observe it and think critically about their relationship with it,” she said, emphasising that environmental responsibility must be collective.
Ajayi explained that LASEPA’s partnership with the project aligns with its broader strategy of using innovative approaches to strengthen public awareness and environmental advocacy.
He noted that the agency continues to monitor pollution levels and water quality across Lagos waterways, adding that initiatives like this provide an accessible way to involve the public in environmental conversations.
“Engaging people through creative platforms makes the message more relatable and impactful,” he said, expressing confidence that the initiative would contribute to reducing plastic pollution in the lagoon.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Damilola Emmanuel, described the project as a model of collaborative governance, bringing together government, private sector and civil society.
He stressed that sustainable environmental management requires collective effort and pledged continued government support to expand the initiative across other parts of Lagos waterways.
The one-week programme, a collaboration between LASEPA, Iranti Press and A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation, is being held at the Five Cowries Creek Terminal, Falomo, Ikoyi, from April 26 to May 2, 2026.
Officials say the initiative is expected to boost environmental consciousness, encourage sustainable interaction with water bodies and reinforce Lagos State’s broader climate action and blue economy agenda.
