Winners Emerge In ‘Lagos Has Talent’ Climate Edition

Winners have emerged in the Lagos Has Talent: Climate Edition, an initiative powered by the Lagos State Government, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and C40 Cities under its UK government funded-Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Africa Programme.

The Lagos Has Talent initiative presented a platform for artists, innovators and entrepreneurs to present their ideas and projects related to sustainability and climate action, thus spotlighting the creativity and climate consciousness of young Lagos residents.

The grand finale of the competition, which was held recently in Lagos, brought together a vibrant mix of youth innovators, creatives, government leaders, development partners and climate advocates for a celebration of talents, sustainability, and collective action against climate change.

The award ceremony, themed around Youth, Creativity and Climate Action, recognised outstanding young talents aged 18-35, who used artistic expressions and entrepreneurship to spotlight climate issues facing Lagos State.

Categories included storytelling, poetry, film and animation, music, sustainable fashion and eco-entrepreneurship.

The highlight of the event was the award presentation to the top five finalists selected from over 100 applicants across the state.

An emerging visual artist and storyteller, Progress Jesutomiwa Giwa, emerged as the overall winner, receiving the grand prize of N5 million. The first runner-up, Ayomide Amusan, a visual storyteller, received N3 million while Anita Nwokoji, a spoken-word poet, took home N2 million as the second runner-up.

The fourth and fifth place winners, Tiwalade Aderemi and Adebayo Razzak also received N500,000 each in a surprise announcement during the ceremony.

The five finalists emerged following a rigorous assessment by a select panel who evaluated the entries using the following criteria: creativity, passion and the unique spark that inspires climate action in Lagos.

The director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mr Michael Bankole praised the winners and announced that all five finalists would be enrolled in a mentorship programme beyond the competition.

“This event is more than a competition,” said the special adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Engr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, adding that, “It is a platform to amplify youth voices, elevate innovative climate solutions, and demonstrate Lagos State’s unwavering commitment to climate resilience and inclusive development.”

Following the grand finale, the winners were hosted by the state commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab at his office.