Project Future 4Ward, a youth-focused initiative promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has showcased innovative solutions by secondary school students in Lagos. The projects were on clean water, menstrual health and girls’ empowerment emerging as the top entries at its maiden SDG Innovations Competition.

The grand finale organised by the Sustainable World Impact Program (SWIP) in partnership with Sustainable Development Advocates (SDA) University of Lagos (UNILAG) at the school SPESSECE Centre, brought together educators, development professionals, sustainability advocates and students to celebrate youth-led innovation. Founder of SWIP and Convener of the competition, Olayinka Oladipo, described the initiative as an investment in the next generation of leaders and innovators.

“Project Future 4Ward represents more than a competition; it is an investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change makers who will shape a more sustainable future,” she said. Delivering the keynote address, international development professional, Oluwaseyi Jesuton, urged participants to move beyond identifying problems to creating practical solutions. “The world is looking for problem solvers, solution providers, value creators, and changemakers,” she said, encouraging students to use innovation to transform their communities. She also shared how participating in an SDG essay competition inspired her to establish PlasticWize, an environmental initiative focused on tackling plastic pollution through education and advocacy. Twelve finalists from secondary schools across Lagos State presented projects addressing key SDGs, including quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, climate action, and peace, justice and strong institutions.

Their entries were assessed on innovation, relevance, feasibility, sustainability, scalability and potential social impact. Emmanuel Nwalozie of Eko Akete Senior Grammar School won the competition with a Water Purification System designed to improve access to clean and safe water in line with SDG 6.

Although absent physically, he demonstrated the innovation virtually. Anita Olaleye of Ayedere Ajibola Senior High School finished second with PadBank, a project aimed at improving access to menstrual hygiene products and promoting menstrual health awareness among girls, while Temitope Oyedele of Mushin Community Junior High School placed third with Project Herizon, an initiative that empowers young women through leadership and skills development.