In a powerful blend of creativity and climate consciousness, the grand finale of Lagos Has Talent: Climate Edition took place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja. The event brought together a vibrant community of young innovators, artists, and environmental advocates, alongside key government leaders and development partners, to celebrate youth-driven solutions to Lagos’ pressing climate challenges.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Government through its Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and in collaboration with C40 Cities under the UK-funded Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Africa Programme, served as a rallying point for young people to showcase ideas and projects that address sustainability through the lens of art, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
A Celebration of Youth, Creativity, and Climate Advocacy
Themed “Youth, Creativity, and Climate Action,” the ceremony honoured outstanding individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who used various forms of artistic and entrepreneurial expression to highlight environmental concerns. Entries spanned categories such as storytelling, poetry, film and animation, music, sustainable fashion, and eco-enterprise.
From over 100 entries, five finalists were selected after a rigorous judging process. Progress Jesutomiwa Giwa, a visual artist and storyteller, emerged as the overall winner, earning a grand prize of ₦5 million. First runner-up Ayomide Amusan, also a visual storyteller, won ₦3 million, while spoken-word poet Anita Nwokoji secured ₦2 million as second runner-up. The fourth and fifth positions went to Tiwalade Aderemi and Adebayo Razzak respectively—each receiving ₦500,000, which was later doubled in a surprise announcement.
The finalists’ works were assessed by a distinguished panel of judges who brought both climate and creative expertise to the evaluation. The panel included Oluwaseyi Jesuton, co-founder of U-Recycle Initiative Africa; Jumoke Olowookere, founder of the African Creative Sustainable Synergy Hub; and Omowunmi Omoseyindemi, a Senior Scientific Officer with the Lagos Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Government and Partners Applaud a New Generation of Green Champions
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment; Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; Engr. Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA; and Dr. Tunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA. Development partners such as Amaka Agwu, Regional Senior Programme Manager for Africa at C40 Cities, also lent their support.
Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning, Mr. Michael Bankole, emphasized that the five winners would be enrolled in a mentorship programme designed to build their capacity for long-term climate leadership. In his remarks, Engr. Rotimi-Akodu described the event as “a platform to amplify youth voices, elevate innovative climate solutions, and demonstrate Lagos State’s unwavering commitment to climate resilience and inclusive development.”
L-R: Senior Manager, Inclusive Climate Action and Knowledge – Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Africa Programme, C40 Cities, Kevin Mutia; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite; Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Lagos Has Talent 2025 Winner, Progress Jesutomiwa Giwa; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environment Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, and the Regional Senior Programme Manager for Africa at C40 Cities, Amaka Agwu at the Lagos Has Talent Grand Finale held on the 26th of July, 2025, at Radisson Blu hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State.
A Future Beyond the Stage
In a special post-event reception, the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, hosted the finalists at his office. There, each participant had the opportunity to present their projects and reflect on the inspirations behind them. Moved by their ingenuity and commitment, the Commissioner announced an additional ₦1 million for both the fourth and fifth place winners, reinforcing the government’s encouragement of all five talents.
Beyond the prize money, the Commissioner made a significant policy announcement: all five finalists will be formally integrated into the Ministry’s Climate Advocacy Team. In this role, they will act as youth ambassadors for Lagos’ environmental initiatives, contributing to efforts such as promoting renewable energy, enhancing wastewater management, and supporting climate adaptation strategies.
“This initiative is not just about winning prizes,” the Commissioner remarked. “It’s about building a movement—one that endures and grows.”
Towards a Greener, Youth-Led Future
Lagos Has Talent: Climate Edition stands as a pioneering model of civic engagement and youth empowerment in climate discourse. By creating a bridge between government, civil society, and young innovators, it provides participants with tools, networks, and visibility to influence Lagos’ sustainability journey.
As the state deepens its climate response efforts, the success of this edition underscores the value of placing youth at the center of environmental action—not only as future leaders, but as present-day changemakers.