In a bold move to accelerate climate innovation in Nigeria, Meristem Securities Limited through its youth-focused CSR initiative (MORE Lagos Green) has awarded ₦26 million in funding to emerging green entrepreneurs’ resident in Lagos State at the grand finale of its MORE Lagos Green Cohort I.
The journey to the grand finale began in September 2025 with a call for entries, which generated almost 200 submissions. The objective was clear — to design and identify scalable and impact-driven green solutions addressing environmental challenges such as waste management, renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable production in Lagos.
Following a rigorous selection process, 30 scalable ideas were identified. A further round of screening narrowed this down to 9 finalists, who pitched their ideas to a panel of green economy stakeholders at the grand finale, culminating in the emergence of four winners.
The grand finale brought together nine (9) high-potential innovators from across Lagos’ growing sustainability ecosystem, with seven (7) winners emerging at the end of the day.
- Joshua Ndaman (BuyScrap Nigeria) emerged as the overall winner, securing the ₦10 million grant for his climate-focused innovation.
- Edidiong Udoh (AirChain) clinched second place, receiving ₦6 million grant.
Rofiat Olaleye (Eco Heroes) will receive ₦4 million grant. - Four innovators, Eloghosa Oviahon, Jeremiah Hinmikaye, Oluwatosin Afolayan and Mariam Odesola were awarded ₦1 million consolation grants each in recognition of their promising, high-impact solutions.
- Two additional innovators, David Olaibi and Stephen Apeh who earlier completed the MORE by Meristem programme and pitched their businesses are to receive ₦1 million grant each as well.
Unlike traditional pitch competitions, the MORE Lagos Green initiative was structured as an ecosystem-driven youth investment programme; combining mentorship, visibility, venture support, and funding. Throughout the process, participants had access to deeply researched and developed learning resources on the MORE by Meristem platform (a digital-only freely accessible youth-focused learning platform), strategic guidance and were provided with a platform to showcase the work they are currently doing to promote a cleaner environment, while positioning their solutions for scale.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition within Nigeria’s Capital Market sector of the critical role ESG, and climate-focused innovation play in shaping a more sustainable future. Through MORE by Meristem, the Meristem Group is positioning itself as a catalyst for ESG-driven impact, championing the importance of climate-conscious innovation and supporting entrepreneurs developing solutions for long-term environmental and social progress.
Speaking at the event, Imaobong Asemah, Head, MORE by Meristem, stated: “Our goal at MORE is to support entrepreneurs who are solving real problems to create sustainable and scalable business models, and we believe the next generation of successful global entrepreneurs will emerge from the platforms like MORE by Meristem.”
Building on the success of the MORE Lagos Green Initiative, MORE by Meristem continues to reinforce its commitment to advancing ESG-focused innovation and supporting startups developing sustainable, impact-driven solutions for Nigeria’s future. As part of its broader vision to drive long-term environmental and social impact, the next call for applications will open soon with a thematic focus on Agribusiness and Agriculture, further expanding its support for solutions that promote sustainability, economic growth, and national development.
