A non-governmental organization, Junior Achievement Nigeria(JAN) on Tuesday, said that nine students from different schools, had been empowered, aimed at finding solutions to pressing climate challenges within their communities.

These students, according to the JAN Executive Director, Mrs Foluso Gbadamosi, in a statement issued in Lagos, emerged as the winners of the NGO’s second edition of the National Innovation Challenge.

Gbadamosi noted that the national innovation challenge and empowerment program was in partnership with BASF, a world’s leading chemical company committed to environmental protection and Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAWW).

She said the national challenge served as a platform for showcasing the efforts of students who had been exposed to the transformative climate change offered by JAWW.

“The students were selected after a meticulous process and they presented their groundbreaking ideas and solutions to climate challenges.

“After a meticulous selection process, nine outstanding student teams presented their groundbreaking ideas and solutions before an esteemed panel of independent judges.

“Our partnership with BASF has empowered the young generation, fostering ingenious solutions to pressing climate challenges within their communities.

“With passion and purpose, these remarkable student teams have showcased their brilliance and also ignited a beacon of hope for a more sustainable tomorrow,” she said.

She said that this initiative was aimed at amplifying the voices of young individuals by addressing the local impacts of climate change and inspiring innovative solutions to combat climate-related issues.


She said these outstanding students earned the prestigious opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Virtual Global Exchange Program.

“This international platform will facilitate collaboration and idea exchange among peers from around the world, all united in their commitment to addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of BASF Jean-Marc Ricca, Country Cluster Head for BASF West Africa, said It was truly inspiring to see young students demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the challenges in their immediate communities and offer sustainable designs to solve these challenges.

“As a sponsor, we are proud of this crop of changemakers and their innovations.”

One of the students, Miss Juliet Osonwa of Eco-Life Company, Government Secondary School Elekehia, Rivers State, thanked Junior Achievement and BASF, for allowing her to take part in the innovative challenge.

“We are happy that we won the national competition, and we urge schools that enter the national competition next year to work passionately for the environment,” she said.