Over 1.8 tons of waste have been cleared from the premises of Community Primary School, Itowolo, Ikorodu, following a four-day cleanup exercise led by environmental groups, Clean Air 360 and Clime With Me.

The initiative, tagged WaveWise Cleanup Week, ran from September 10–13 and mobilised over 150 participants, including community members, volunteers, government officials and schoolchildren.

Apart from the massive waste removal, organisers donated a waste bin to the school and engaged 91 pupils in climate education sessions designed to teach practical lessons on sustainability through card games, crafts and storytelling.

The project, according to organisers, was launched in response to the poor environmental condition of the school, which had been “overtaken by waste and neglect.”

“Children deserve to learn in a safe, clean environment. This was about restoring dignity, organising community agency, and calling attention to the condition of the school,” said Munnir Adams, Co-Founder of Clime With Me.

On Day 3 of the cleanup, pupils participated in a policy and climate education dialogue facilitated by Globally Green (Ghana) and ClimaVerb, where they shared their vision for a cleaner and safer school.

The exercise was supported by HEDA Resources, African Cleanup Initiative, Green Hart Initiative, Lagos Cityzens Hub [UrbanBetter], and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

Kikelomo Lawal, founder of Clean Air 360, said the project went beyond waste management to serve as an advocacy tool for climate resilience.

“The WaveWise Climate Resilience Project is my way of helping communities claim their right and protect the air that sustains us all. I’m not just fighting air pollution; I’m shaping a future where every breath is a right, not a risk,” she said.

The cleanup also marked the launch of the WaveWise Climate Resilience Fellowship, a six-month programme aimed at equipping young people in vulnerable communities with hands-on skills in climate action and advocacy.

Organisers pledged continued monitoring of the school environment while working with community members and government to develop a sustainable long-term plan.