Engaging Young Nigerians for a Greener Future
Are you a young Nigerian (18-35 years old) passionate about climate action? Do you have innovative ideas on how Nigeria can achieve its climate goals? This is your opportunity to be heard!
Join the Youth Environment and Climate Leadership Essay Competition on or before 28 February, 2025 at 11:59 PM WAT, where young Nigerians will explore critical climate issues and propose solutions for a sustainable future. Winners will receive cash prizes and national recognition!
Competition Overview
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces the dual challenge of significant greenhouse gas emissions from its fossil fuel reserves and high vulnerability to climate change, but its youthful population presents an opportunity for climate action.
Since 2022, the National Climate Action (NCA) team, World Resources Institute (WRI), and Nigeria’s Department of Climate Change (DCC) have collaborated to engage youth in climate initiatives, translating educational materials, hosting outreach events, and training young climate leaders.
Throughout the past year WRI has worked closely with GreenHubAfrica and an all-star all Youth Steering Committee to strategize an online training course covering key climate topics. These courses were developed with subject matter experts and made available online for free, leading to 3,692 course completions to date. The initiative’s final phase includes this Youth Environment and Climate Leadership Essay Competition, which is thematically aligned with the online training courses. This essay competition will provide a platform for young Nigerians to contribute innovative ideas toward national climate goals.
The Essay Competition is designed to engage young Nigerians in discussions about Nigeria’s climate commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Long-term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).
This competition offers a platform for young voices to showcase their understanding of climate issues, foster awareness, and propose innovative, actionable solutions.
Who Can Participate?
- Young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 from all six geo-political zones.
- No prior experience in climate science is required—just a passion for sustainability!
Why Join?
- Win up to $300 USD (in Naira).
- Have your ideas published and showcased to climate leaders.
- Network Opportunities on the WRI GreenHubAfrica YECLProgram Platform.
Themes & Topics
Participants must choose one of the following themes, aligned with Nigeria’s NDC and LT-LEDS strategies:
Competition Timeline
How to Participate
Step 1: Submit an Abstract
Your abstract (first-round submission) in either written, video, or photo format should briefly introduce your idea.
Step 2: Final Essay Submission (Shortlisted Finalists Only)
Shortlisted participants will work with GreenHubAfrica to develop full essays in their chosen format
Step 3: Attend the Online Awards Ceremony
Winners will be announced at the Online Awards Ceremony.
To get detailed information about the submission requirements, download the PDF below.
Prizes & Awards
1st Place Winners – $300 USD (in Naira) per Geopolitical Zone
2nd Place Winners – $150 USD (in Naira) per Geopolitical Zone
Winners will also receive:
- A certificate of recognition
- Feature on GreenHubAfrica’s platforms
- Network Opportunities on the WRI GreenHubAfrica YECLProgram Platform.
Note: Prizes will be awarded across each geo-political zone.
Judging Criteria
Our expert jury will assess essays based on:
Originality & Creativity – Unique perspectives and solutions. No AI-generated content allowed!
Clarity & Structure – Well-organized and engaging content.
Relevance to Climate Goals – Alignment with Nigeria’s climate policies.
Feasibility & Impact – Practicality and real-world impact of proposed ideas.
Submit Your Essay Today!
Ready to make an impact? Start your submission now and be a voice for climate action! Submission Deadline: On or before 28 February, 2025 at 11:59 PM WAT.
INFORMATION SESSION
For any clarifications or information, you can watch the recording of the Public Webinar (Q&A for Interested Participants) that was held on 15 February 2025 at 5PM WAT HERE.
For inquiries, contact info@greenhubafrica.com