Oando Foundation has disbursed 20 million naira in grants to 10 young innovators who emerged as top performers in the pilot cohort of its Green Youth Upskilling Programme (GYUP), as training for the second cohort of 50 participants commenced in Lagos.
Grant Awards and Ceremony
The grant awards were announced at a close-out ceremony, marking the conclusion of the programme's first nine-month cycle. The GYUP, launched in July 2025 in collaboration with the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), is a workforce development initiative focused on building technical and entrepreneurial capacity in renewable energy, waste management, and green enterprise development.
Programme Impact
According to the foundation, the pilot cohort provided participants with hands-on technical expertise, business acumen, and climate-focused competencies through intensive training, mentorship, and enterprise development support. Participants developed impact-driven business models targeted at gaps in Nigeria's circular economy. The foundation stated that the programme was designed to bridge skills development with entrepreneurship to create a pipeline of climate-conscious innovators and job creators.
Green Youth Champions
At the ceremony, the foundation named the 10 beneficiaries from Cohort one as Green Youth Champions. They include Temitope Fakorede, Barnabas Iorsue, Boluwatife Amodu, Toluwalase Abiona, Abdulmuiz Edun, Gbayere Onorena, Yunus Sodiq, Janet Ogechi Ohakwe, Aishat Ayyub, and Johnpaul Nwaike. The beneficiaries collectively received 20 million naira in grant funding to scale their ventures.
Statements from Officials
Head of Oando Foundation, Tonia Uduimoh, said the programme is a reflection of the organisation's approach to youth empowerment through skills development and practical education. "As an organisation, the Oando Foundation has focused on education since its inception in 2011. While education remains our core, we also recognise that it extends beyond foundational learning and formal academics. In collaboration with NCIC, we developed the Green Youth Upskilling Programme. Through GYUP, we provide practical, real-world green skills that build on participants' existing knowledge and experience, enabling them to become more empowered and self-reliant individuals, actively contributing to Nigeria's green economy. We are grateful for the opportunity to implement initiatives such as this, as we expand our focus beyond younger children to also support the youth, who are a critical part of Nigeria's population," Uduimoh said.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended the initiative. "We are proud of every participant in the GYUP initiative and what they have achieved over the past nine months. We are grateful to Oando Foundation and NCIC for the intention and preparation that made this possible. GYUP is proof that when the private sector, civil society, and development organisations come together with a shared purpose, we can create opportunities that truly transform lives. Nigeria's growing economy needs young people like those we have in this room today—skilled, motivated, and ready to lead. Programmes like GYUP are exactly what is needed to build the future we want," Ogunlende said.
Alignment with National Policies
The Foundation stated that GYUP aligns with Nigeria's National Youth Policy and the recently revised National Employment Policy, both of which prioritise skills development, green jobs, and youth-led climate solutions. It added that the programme supports Federal Government goals of building a resilient, climate-smart workforce and fostering economic inclusion.
Beneficiary Testimonial
Abiona, a beneficiary from Cohort one in the Waste Management and Recycling track, and recipient of a 2 million naira grant, said the programme was truly eye-opening and highly impactful. Abiona noted that it highlighted the importance of equipping young people with practical technical skills to advance their careers, particularly within the green economy. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and the support provided. This experience has strengthened my confidence and commitment to building a career in the green economy," Abiona said.
Call to Action
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titilayo Oshodi, in her remarks, said: "Climate action is no longer a future conversation. It is happening now, and it needs your ideas, your energy, and your courage. Do not underestimate the value of what you have learned here. Whether you go on to build businesses, join organisations, or lead initiatives, you are now part of a movement shaping a more sustainable future."
