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Winners Emerge in Lagos Has Talent – Climate Edition

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Winners have emerged in the Lagos Has Talent: Climate Edition, an initiative powered by the Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in collaboration with the 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 on Saturday, July 26 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, 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.

ALSO READ: NUPRC Aims for 5.13bn Barrels Deepwater Oil Reserves

The award ceremony, themed around Youth, Creativity, and Climate Action, recognized outstanding young talents aged 18–35, who used artistic expression 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, who were selected from over 100 applicants across the state. Progress Jesutomiwa Giwa, an emerging visual artist and storyteller, 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 respectively 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 three judges were made up of climate change advocates, namely: Oluwaseyi Jesuton, a multi-award-winning climate advocate, whose impactful environmental awareness work began at a young age when she co-founded U-recycle Initiative Africa in 2018; Jumoke Olowookere, Founder and Creative Director of African Creative Hub (African Creative Sustainable Synergy Hub), an innovative social enterprise dedicated to fostering “a world without waste,” and Omowunmi Omoseyindemi, Senior Scientific Officer at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, where she plays a crucial role in advancing environmental initiatives.

The dignitaries at the event included the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akudo; the Permanent Secretary for the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite; Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, and the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Tunde Ajayi. Also present were the Regional Senior Programme Manager for Africa at C40 Cities, Amaka Agwu, and a representative of the judging panel, Omowunmi Omoseyindemi.

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

“This event is more than a competition,” said Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment. “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 Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab at his office. During the meeting, each finalist had the opportunity to present their entry and share the inspiration behind their projects. Impressed by their passion and creativity, the Honourable Commissioner graciously announced an additional N1 million cash prizes to the 4th and 5th place finalists.

Underscoring the government’s commitment to long term youth engagement in climate advocacy, the Commissioner also announced that all five finalists would be formally integrated into the Ministry’s Climate Advocacy Team to serve as brand ambassadors and the faces of its various initiatives aimed at mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, including promoting green energy, improving wastewater management, and developing climate adaptation and resilience plans.

“This initiative is not just about winning prizes but about building a movement that continues beyond the stage,” said The Honourable Commissioner.

The Lagos Has Talent: Climate Edition has become a beacon for youth-led climate innovation and a model for sustainable civic engagement, exposing participants to capacity-building opportunities and platforms that amplify their work beyond the contest.

Photo Caption

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.

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International News

WHO Releases Alarming Casualty Figures From US‑Israel‑Iran Conflict

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a disturbing update on the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, revealing that thousands of people have been killed or injured in just under two weeks.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that health systems across the Middle East are under “immense strain” and are at risk of complete collapse if the crisis continues.

SEE MORE: US-Israel-Iran War: Day Four Updates from the Middle East

According to WHO reports, Iran has suffered over 1,300 deaths and around 9,000 injuries, while Lebanon has recorded at least 570 deaths and approximately 1,400 injuries.

In Israel, at least 15 people have died and more than 2,100 have been injured since hostilities escalated.

The conflict began on February 28, following a massive joint strike by US and Israeli forces that targeted top Iranian officials, including the country’s Supreme Leader.

The violence has since spread across the region, with retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli sites and US military bases in neighboring countries.

The humanitarian impact is severe. Over 100,000 Iranians and up to 700,000 Lebanese citizens have been displaced, many living in overcrowded conditions with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care.

The WHO warns that these conditions put women and children at particular risk of disease outbreaks.

The organization also highlighted a growing trend of attacks on healthcare infrastructure, reporting dozens of strikes on hospitals and medical facilities across Iran and Lebanon.

Such attacks have not only resulted in deaths but also deprived entire communities of critical medical care when they need it most.

Tedros emphasized the urgent need for all parties to respect international law and protect civilians, calling for unimpeded humanitarian access and immediate measures to prevent the collapse of fragile health systems.

With the conflict continuing to escalate, the WHO has stressed that immediate action is required to protect lives, ensure medical support reaches affected populations, and prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening.

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NEWS

2026 Poll: Osun Ndigbo Backs Adeleke’s Second-Term Bid

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Ahead of the 2026 governorship election, the Ndigbo community across the local government areas of Osun State has declared its support for the second-term bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

A government house statement in Osogbo on Wednesday night has it that ndi Igbo cited his administration’s developmental strides across the state for their decision.

The endorsement was made during a courtesy visit by leaders of the Igbo community in Osun to the governor at the Government House in Osogbo, where they commended his leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.

ALSO READ: Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term

Speaking on behalf of the association, President-General of the Ndigbo in the state, Chief John Dike, praised the governor for the infrastructural and social development projects being carried out across the state.

He particularly commended the governor for appointing some members of the Igbo community as Senior Special Assistants, describing the gesture as a sign of recognition and inclusion of the community in the affairs of the state.

Chief Dike, however, appealed for further inclusiveness, requesting that more Igbo indigenes be considered for appointments into the state cabinet and other employment opportunities within the government.

He also urged the state government to allocate land for the construction of a modern secretariat for the Igbo community and grant approval for an endorsement rally in support of the governor’s re-election bid.

In addition, the Ndigbo leader sought assistance for Igbo farmers operating within the state, while assuring the governor of the community’s unwavering support for his administration and second-term ambition. Members of the delegation also presented campaign caps to the governor as a symbol of their solidarity.

Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation for the endorsement, noting that the Igbo community has continued to contribute positively to the social and economic development of the state.

He assured them that his administration would continue to promote their welfare and support their progress, while granting the requests presented during the visit.

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Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term

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Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has declared that his administration’s record of performance and fulfilment of electoral promises justifies a second term in office.

A government house statement in Osogbo on Wednesday has it that the governor made the declaration while hosting a delegation of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), Osun State Council, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Osogbo.

ALSO READ: CNG: Tinubu Orders Deployment of 100,000 Kits in Three Weeks

It was gathered that the delegation was led by the National Vice President of the society, Asiwaju Justice Adeigbe (Rtd), alongside the Chairman of the Osun State chapter, Chief Daud Oladapo.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the State Secretary of the society, Dr Afeez Akande, praised the Governor’s performance and pledged the support of the organisation for the continuity of the administration.

“We have been following what you are doing and your track records. You are wonderful and you are marvelous in our eyes. The monumental works you have been doing in Osun make it look like we have never had a Governor like this before,” Dr Akande said.

He noted that the administration’s projects are known for timely delivery and strategic impact on the lives of residents.

“We have identified that once you embark on projects, they are time-bound. It shows genuine administrative acumen, love for the state and love for the people,” he added.

Dr Akande also cited infrastructural developments, specifically the ongoing dualisation of roads, notably that of Iwo as an example of the Governor’s vision-driven leadership.

“That road project has helped to boost economic activities in the area. Such development can only come from someone with vision who follows through with implementation. We appreciate what you are doing and we are resolved to support the continuity,” he said.

Responding, Governor Adeleke thanked the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred governance.

“Today marks the starting point of campaigning for the August 15, 2026 governorship election. We need your prayers and support for a free and fair election through which the will of the people will prevail,” the Governor said.

Governor Adeleke also unveiled an upgraded Five-Point Agenda that will drive his re-election campaign.

“Our reloaded Five-Point Agenda will focus on integrated youth, women and workers’ welfare and empowerment; infrastructure consolidation for citizens’ social and economic wellbeing; agro-industrial expansion for human development and collective prosperity; affordable and qualitative health and education access; and an improved and secured business environment for job creation,” the Governor stated.

Explaining why he deserves a second term, the Governor pointed to the administration’s record across several sectors.

“When the opposition asked whether I deserve to be re-elected, I told them yes based on my performance in this first term in office,” the Governor said.

“I deserve re-election because of what our administration has delivered for the people of Osun. We have empowered the cooperative movement with almost four billion naira, strengthened community development associations with grassroots health and infrastructure projects, and implemented the Imole Medical Outreach that has benefited almost eighty thousand residents.”

He added that the administration has also revived agriculture and rural development across the state.

“We revived the cocoa revolution through aggressive seedling distribution and new farmers’ initiatives, acquired brand new tractors now serving farmers across the state, and implemented thousands of local projects through integrated rural development under the O-RAMP programme,” he said.

Governor Adeleke further highlighted achievements in governance, infrastructure and economic management.

“We introduced a 45-day window for the acquisition of Certificates of Occupancy, revived the Osun Free Trade Zone with active investors, digitised tax and revenue collection, and implemented the SIFMIS payroll application to ensure transparency in the management of public funds,” he stated.

The Governor also cited major achievements in infrastructure and social services.

“We have constructed over 350 kilometres of roads, developed three major flyover bridges, revived six moribund waterworks, drilled 332 boreholes across wards, rehabilitated schools and health centres, and paid inherited half salaries and almost one hundred billion naira in pension debts,” he added.

Governor Adeleke assured the people of Osun that his administration will continue to deliver inclusive governance and sustainable development if re-elected.

“My promise to the people of Osun is that now and when we are re-elected, we will continue to run an inclusive and forward-looking government that keeps the people at the centre of our programmes and policies,” he said.

Other dignitaries, and political functionaries present included the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, and the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina.

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