Lagos pushes green skills as youths get N20m grant

The Lagos State Government has intensified calls for the development of green skills among Nigerian youths, as the Oando Foundation awarded N20m to 10 young innovators under its Green Youth Upskilling Programme.

The push came on Thursday during the close-out ceremony of the programme’s pilot phase in Lagos, where stakeholders also unveiled a fresh cohort of 50 participants set to undergo training in renewable energy, waste management, and green enterprise development.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titilayo Oshodi, said the worsening climate crisis made it imperative to equip young people with practical, future-ready skills.

“Climate action is already shaping economies globally. Young people must be prepared not just to participate, but to lead in building sustainable solutions,” she said.

Oshodi noted that investing in youth capacity would not only strengthen Nigeria’s climate response but also unlock new economic opportunities in emerging green sectors.

The initiative, launched in July 2025, aims to develop a pipeline of skilled young Nigerians capable of driving innovation in climate-focused industries.

Speaking earlier, the Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh, said the programme reflected a shift from theoretical learning to hands-on, impact-driven training.

“At its core, this initiative is about empowering young people with real-world skills that enable them to become self-reliant while contributing meaningfully to national development,” she said.

According to her, the nine-month pilot phase provided participants with technical training, mentorship, and enterprise support, enabling them to develop solutions addressing gaps in Nigeria’s circular economy.

The programme, implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, is designed to bridge the gap between training and business development.

At the event, 10 outstanding participants, including Temitope Fakorede, Barnabas Iorsue, and Toluwalase Abiona, were recognised and awarded grants to scale their climate-focused ventures.

The beneficiaries were selected based on the innovation and impact of their projects, many of which target environmental challenges while creating economic value within their communities.

One of the awardees, Abiona, described the programme as a turning point.

“The experience has boosted my confidence and provided the tools needed to build a sustainable venture,” she said.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the initiative underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling youth unemployment and fostering innovation.

“Programmes like this demonstrate what is possible when the private sector, civil society, and government align around a shared goal of youth empowerment and economic development,” he said.

Stakeholders at the event noted that the expansion of the programme aligned with Nigeria’s broader climate and economic policies, particularly efforts to promote green jobs and sustainable development.

With a new cohort of 50 participants set to commence training, analysts say the initiative could help nurture a new generation of climate-conscious entrepreneurs, positioning Nigeria to better navigate the global transition to a low-carbon economy.