Nigeria’s Aladeselu Wins Global Youth Climate Prize 2023
“When the announcement was made, and my video appeared on the screen as the first winner among nine others from different countries, coupled with my friends at the summit congratulating me, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude, joy, and a bit of embarrassment”.
That was Success Adesalu’s first reaction when she received the initial news beamed on the screens of her victory over nine other participants in the contest.
To the 400-level Law student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, it was “an opportunity to represent her country, family and school.”
The summit, organised by the Global Youth Leadership Centre in collaboration with the Tanzania Forest Service Agency, and the University of Dar es Salaam, among other partners had no less than 500 changemakers from across the globe.
“It took me a moment, but eventually, I was able to embrace the thrill and honour that came with such recognition and opportunity. It didn’t end with my selection as a delegate but I also won The Youth Climate Champion Prize/Grant for my project entry, Adesalu added with ecstasy.
“This was incredibly elevating,” Aladeselu further said, while speaking on Wednesday after her emergence at the contest’s top prize winner. She added that the prize would help her implement her ‘greener period project’ on climate action.
The event was aimed at enhancing attendees’ understanding of climate science, develop leadership skills, and provide grants for launching climate action projects in their communities. The summit was held October 4 to 7.
Aladeselu noted that her participation virtual and physically made her exceptional out of other applicants across the globe.
While 500 youths aged between 18 and 32 were selected to participate in the summit, 300 youths attended the program virtually, Aladeselu was among the 200 youth who attended the program in person in Tanzania.
The selection process was based on applications and applicants requiring to answer personal stories and express opinions on various topics on global climate crisis.
The law student urged fellow Nigerian students desiring to take prospects of such to volunteer, be passionate and connect with like-minded individuals while seeking opportunities to widen their knowledge.
In his message, GYLC Chief Executive Officer, Ejaj Ahmad, said, “I am mobilising youth to tackle the climate crisis. Over the next 10 years, I am committed to working with youth from 55 member countries in the Climate Vulnerable Forum, to educate them about the science behind climate change, equip them with leadership skills to take individual and collective action, and enable them to launch businesses that contribute to climate mitigation or adaptation.”