Lagos marks Noise Awareness Day with student debate

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency last week held the finals of its inter-district essay and debate competition to mark the 2026 International Noise Awareness Day, reaffirming its commitment to tackling noise pollution across the state.

The event, held at the agency’s conference room in Alausa, Ikeja, was themed “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health,” and featured a debate titled “Technology and Noise: Who Bears the Responsibility and Consequences?” with participants drawn from the six education districts in Lagos.

At the end of the contest, Master Model David Olufemi of Alimosho Senior Grammar School emerged overall winner with 373 points.

He was followed by Bello Awwal of Obele Community Senior High School, who scored 368 points, while Onaolapo Olabiyi of Lagos State Senior Model College, Kanko, came third with 339 points.

Other finalists included Nnajiofor Pemela of Eva Adelaja Girls High School (333 points), Ismail Olanrewaju of Boys Senior Academy (302 points), and Amobi Precious of Army Children School (179 points).

The top three winners are expected to be honoured at the agency’s “Noiseless Lagos Advocacy Programme” scheduled for May 12, 2026, at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Rotimi Akodu, represented by Mrs Tolu Adeyo, said “noise pollution is a serious public health issue, not just a nuisance,” citing global data that prolonged exposure to noise above 65 decibels can lead to hypertension, stress, and hearing loss.

He added that Lagos regulations cap nighttime residential noise at 55 decibels.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, represented by Mrs Olaniyan Taiwo, commended the initiative, noting that “excessive noise disrupts concentration, impairs learning, and reduces academic productivity.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology, Adejinka Sorungbe, represented by Mrs Oluremi Ashiru, stressed that responsibility for noise control must be shared.

While acknowledging that technology drives economic growth, he noted that it also contributes to noise through generators, industrial machines, transport systems, and digital devices.

In his welcome address, the General Manager of LASEPA, Tunde Ajayi, said Lagos’ dense population and vibrant economy contribute significantly to rising noise levels, with associated risks including hearing loss and sleep disruption. He noted that the agency is engaging students, religious bodies, event organisers, and construction workers to promote responsible behaviour.

Head of LASEPA’s Noise Control Unit, Abosede Natufe, added that International Noise Awareness Day provides “a global platform to educate the public on the effects of noise in homes, religious centres, restaurants, and public spaces,” stressing that young people play a critical role in driving behavioural change.

The event concluded with free hearing tests for participants.