The DAWN Project has exciting news for young climate advocates in Nigeria. They plan to expand their annual environmental competition, aiming to engage millions more students. The 2026 Dawn Project Ambassador Competition kicked off in Lagos, themed “The Power of Us.”
During the launch, co-founder Desmond Majekodumi shared their goal to tap into the creativity of young people for environmental advocacy. “We’ve had over 200,000 participants, but now we want millions. The response has been fantastic already,” he said.
Majekodumi added that they’re also enhancing the Green Ambassadors Programme to involve students from primary through tertiary levels. He noted that young people are motivated by more than just winning prizes; they genuinely want to protect their future and nurture nature.
Another co-founder, Angela Emuwa, who is also the Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, highlighted the importance of a healthy environment. “If we don’t care for the environment, our health suffers,” she stated. Emuwa expressed enthusiasm over the high turnout from schools, reflecting an increasing awareness of environmental issues.
The competition allows participants to express their creativity through poetry, music, and essays. It is set to open on July 31, after which diverse judges will evaluate the entries based on creativity and impact.
Dr. Pamela Ajayi, the project’s founder, reiterated their mission to raise awareness about climate change and youth involvement. She reported that the initiative has reached nearly 100 schools and over 120,000 individuals. “This year’s focus is on keeping our planet healthy, linked to climate and health challenges,” she noted. The competition offers increased cash prizes and various categories to ensure fairness among participants.
Ajayi also warned of the dire health effects associated with environmental degradation. Statistics show that conditions like asthma and even some cancers linked to pollution are on the rise. “We must act now to halt the destruction and begin restoring our planet,” she emphasized.
Co-founder Stanley Evans shared how the initiative has grown over the past seven years. “We’ve interacted with over 120,000 children across 57 schools, spreading the message about climate change,” he said. He encourages small actions, like reducing plastic use, which can collectively save many marine animals.
This year’s competition not only aims to foster environmental advocacy but also connects students with judges from around the world. With optimism, the organizers believe that the upcoming edition will attract even more participants and strengthen the youth’s role in fighting for a healthier planet.
Students expressed their eagerness to contribute during an interactive session, showcasing their deep interest in protecting the environment. The launch also marked the beginning of the Green Ambassador Annual Programme, creating a stronger foundation for youth-led climate action.
For more information on the initiatives surrounding environmental awareness and advocacy, check out The DAWN Project’s official page.
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