The Green-Skill Schools Challenge, a flagship event of Seven-Up Bottling Company’s (SBC) Sustainability Week, empowered students across Lagos State with innovative skills and cash prizes to tackle plastic pollution and champion the circular economy.

The grand finale, held at SBC’s Ikeja manufacturing plant, brought together 18 schools from six districts of Lagos. It showcased practical solutions to plastic pollution, including upcycling projects and waste-to-resource initiatives.

The Managing Director of Seven-Up Bottling Company, Ziad Maalouf, praised the efforts of the young participants, describing them as the future leaders of sustainability.

Maalouf emphasised the importance of fostering innovation and promoting environmental awareness among youths.

He noted that the initiative aligns with SBC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive the green economy.

“We are incredibly proud of these future leaders who have participated in the Green Skills School Challenge and Exhibition as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability. 

“This initiative aligns with SBC’s core values of fostering innovation, promoting environmental awareness, and supporting the next generation of leaders who will drive the green economy forward. It’s inspiring to see how passionate and committed the students are to making a difference.” Maalouf said.

The competition received 330 applications, from which 18 schools were shortlisted. The students’ creativity was rewarded with significant cash prizes: ₦1,000,000 for the first-place school, ₦500,000 for the second place, and ₦250,000 for the third place. Additional consolation prizes totaling ₦1,500,000 were distributed among the other schools.

All participating students also received grants of ₦110,000 each, courtesy of a collaboration between SBC, Zenith Bank, and LAWMA Academy.

Maalouf added that the grants aim to build capacity in environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship, supplemented by a specialised Green Skill Scale-Up bootcamp organised in partnership with key organizations.

Lagos State Commissioner, Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, represented by Grace Akinfoyewa, commended SBC’s dedication to integrating sustainability into the educational system.

“Integrating sustainability into youth education is essential for equipping our students with the skills to address pressing environmental challenges. We appreciate SBC’s efforts in providing students with tools to lead the fight against plastic pollution.”

The Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, Titi Oshodi, also praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to inspire a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.