Meristem Securities Advances Climate Innovation with Grants for Green Entrepreneurs
In an impressive initiative aimed at fostering climate change innovation in Nigeria, Meristem Securities Limited has allocated ₦26 million through its youth-focused CSR program, MORE Lagos Green. This funding was awarded to emerging green entrepreneurs in Lagos State during the grand finale of the MORE Lagos Green Cohort I.
The journey to the grand finale began with a call for applications in September 2025, attracting around 200 submissions. The initiative sought to uncover scalable and impactful green solutions to address significant environmental challenges in Lagos, including waste management, renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable production.
Following a thorough selection process, 30 viable ideas emerged. After additional scrutiny, the finalists were narrowed to nine innovative participants, who presented their proposals to a panel of experts in the green economy during the grand finale. Ultimately, four of these innovators were recognized as winners.
The grand finale showcased nine talented innovators from Lagos’s burgeoning sustainability sector. At the conclusion of the event, seven individuals were distinguished for their exemplary work. Joshua Ndaman from Biscrap Nigeria secured the top prize, which includes a ₦10 million grant focused on innovative solutions to combat climate change. Edidiong Udoh of AirChain placed second, receiving a grant of ₦6 million. Rofiat Olaleye from Eco Heroes was awarded ₦4 million, while four other innovators—Elogosa Oviahon, Jeremiah Himmikei, Oluwatosin Afolayan, and Mariam Odesola—each received ₦1 million as consolation prizes. Additionally, two participants previously part of the MORE by Meristem program, David Olaibi and Stephen Apeh, were granted ₦1 million each for their innovative concepts.
Unlike conventional pitch competitions, the MORE Lagos Green initiative stands out as an ecosystem-driven investment program tailored for youth. It combines mentorship, awareness, venture support, and funding. Throughout the process, participants benefited from extensive learning resources, strategic guidance provided by the MORE by Meristem platform, and opportunities to showcase their innovations aimed at promoting a cleaner environment while planning for scalability.
This initiative exemplifies the increasing acknowledgment within Nigeria’s capital markets that ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and climate-focused innovation are critical in shaping a sustainable future. Through MORE by Meristem, Meristem Group positions itself as a proactive catalyst for ESG-driven impact, underscoring the significance of climate-conscious innovation and supporting entrepreneurs dedicated to long-term environmental and social advancement.
During the event, MORE by Meristem Director Imabon Asema emphasized the program’s mission, stating that MORE aims to nurture entrepreneurs who are tackling real-world issues and creating sustainable business models. Asema believes platforms like MORE by Meristem are essential for cultivating the next generation of successful global entrepreneurs. Building on the momentum of the MORE Lagos Green Initiative, MORE by Meristem remains committed to promoting ESG-focused innovation and supporting startups dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for Nigeria. As part of this ongoing vision for long-term environmental and social impact, the upcoming recruitment round will focus on agribusiness and agriculture themes, aiming to further bolster sustainability and economic development initiatives within the nation.
