The Foundation for a Better Environment (FABE) International Foundation, in partnership with Deloitte Nigeria, has committed N3.5 million in seed funding to support young sustainability innovators developing solutions to environmental challenges.

The funding was announced during the 2026 EcoLeaders Accelerator Programme (ELAP) Closeout, Impact Showcase and Green Innovation Pitch in Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the founder and chief executive officer of FABE International Foundation, Temitope Okunnu, said the programme was designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to translate environmental concerns into practical solutions.

She said 10 finalists presented sustainability projects addressing environmental and community challenges, with the top three set to receive seed grants to implement their ideas.

Under the funding arrangement, the first-place winner will receive N2 million, the second-place winner N1 million, while the third-place winner will receive N500,000.

Okunnu said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between sustainability training and practical action by providing participants with the resources to implement their ideas.

She added that the initiative was intended to demonstrate that young innovators could develop solutions to environmental problems with the right knowledge, mentorship, partnerships and financial support.

Okunnu said the participants had undergone intensive training through the FABE Institute of Sustainability, covering climate action, circular economy, environmental, social and governance issues, green entrepreneurship, project management, leadership and sustainable development.

She urged the finalists to focus on the impact their ideas could make, rather than the financial rewards attached to the competition. The Nigerian sustainability consultant for Deloitte West Africa, Olajumoke Agbetanmije, said the partnership reflected the firm’s commitment to promoting climate action and developing leaders capable of advancing a green economy.

She said investing in young people was essential to building sustainable solutions for Nigeria and other African countries.

Agbetanmije said Deloitte’s sustainability efforts focused on creating meaningful impact through climate initiatives, community engagement and practical environmental action.

She added that developing sustainability leaders would help strengthen efforts to address climate challenges and promote a green economy across the continent.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yusuf Kelani, represented by Taiwo Adewole, said building a climate-resilient Nigeria required equipping young people with practical green skills and creating opportunities for them to turn innovative ideas into workable solutions.

Kelani said initiatives such as the EcoLeaders Accelerator Programme could advance climate action, circular economy development, green entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.

He added that his office remained committed to supporting initiatives that enabled young Nigerians to contribute to the country’s climate and green transition agenda.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government, Titilayo Oshodi, called for effective implementation of existing environmental policies to translate sustainability commitments into practical results for businesses and communities. Oshodi commended FABE and its partners for creating a platform that encouraged young people to develop solutions to environmental challenges.

She said the Climate Change Act 2021, alongside national policies on solid waste and plastic waste management, provided frameworks for climate action and improved resource recovery.

However, she stressed the need to ensure that policy provisions translated into practical outcomes through effective implementation, financing and incentives for businesses and innovators.