Over 25 winners and student ambassadors were celebrated at the prestigious 2024 The Dawn Project Competition Award and Prize Giving Ceremony, recently held at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos. The event recognized exceptional student contributions in art and awarded the first-ever School Ambassador with The Dawn Project’s Badges of Recognition.
The winners of the 2024 The Dawn Project Competition in various categories were announced, with Osaze David Izevbaye (Priory Preparatory School), Nakolise Kez-Igbokwe (Priory Preparatory School), and Collins Blessing Sophia (Aguda Senior Grammar School) claiming the first, second, and third places in the writing category for ages 7-14. In the 14-17 age category, Amara Nwuneli (Greenspring School), Danisa Emmanuella (University of Ibadan), and Zainab Tewogbade (Vivien Fowler Memorial College for Girls) took the top spots. The writing category for those 18 and over saw Abimbola Oduwole (graduate), Lucky Ajidoku (blogger), and Fortune Anumi (Nnamdi Azikiwe University) winning first, second, and third places, respectively.
During the ceremony, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, a collaborator with The Dawn Project, expressed her pride in the youth’s growing involvement in the climate change movement. "What excites me is that young people are waking up and becoming more aware of their role in the environment’s repair. This movement is alive and growing," she said.
The event featured live performances by the top three winners in the music category: Ikechukwu Precious (University of Lagos), Johnson Courage (University of Uyo), and Onyerikam Chioma (Queen College). Additionally, spoken word performances from Amara Nwuneli and Jesuyimika Domion added to the ceremony’s energy, while artworks from the creative category winners – Maya Akwiwu (Priory Preparatory School), Peters Joseph (Deeper Life High School), and Olorunfemi Faith (Federal University of Technology, Akure) – were displayed for attendees to enjoy.
The keynote address “Oceans of Opportunities – Preserving today for tomorrow” was delivered by the Mr. Johnny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos. Mr. Baxter expressed satisfaction with the direction of The Dawn Project competition and commended the group for the initiative. The Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) also attended and gave a goodwill message lauded the initiative, lending his support to the advocacy towards a healthier planet, particularly among young people. The royal father, Chief Olalekan Bakare, the Aro Oba Elegushi of Ikateland, also delivered a good will message at the occasion. Other notable attendees included The Dawn Project Co-Collaborators Mr. Stanley Evans and Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi; the Nigerian actress, Ego Boyo; the Nigerian entertainer, Wumi Obey of Tunde and Wumi Obey (T.W.O.), School Leaders and students and many other environment enthusiasts.
This year's Dawn Project Competition witnessed a significant transformation, marked by a substantial 200% increase in prize money. As a result, winners took home significantly larger cash awards, with top prizes reaching up to ₦300,000. Additionally, the number of consolation prize winners was expanded, with the top five finalists in each category receiving cash rewards, unlike previous years when only the top three winners received monetary awards. The competition continues to attract winners from diverse educational backgrounds, including primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, maintaining its tradition of inclusivity. The organizers are committed to continually enhance the stakes in the competition with the ultimate goal of engaging an increasingly wider audience in the crucial fight against climate change.
Students from various schools across Lagos State, duly nominated by their institutions, were formally presented at the event. As newly appointed Dawn Project Ambassadors, they were tasked with promoting environmental awareness in their schools and beyond. The ambassadors included include Collins Blessing Sophia of Aguda Senior Grammar Schol, Onibokun Iseoluwa of HeyDay Private School, Maya Akwiwu of Priory Preparatory School, Sholola Oluatimilehin of Lake Field College, Olayinka Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Yahya Aisha of Queen College, Chizaram Okoli of British International School, Jessica Orabuchi of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls and Goodluck Ikporo of Deeper Life High School.
The organizers urged the winners and all attendees to continue raising awareness about the importance of preserving a clean environment, emphasizing that although the competition had concluded, the quest for a better planet remains ongoing. According to Collaborator Evans Stanley, the next generation is crucial in rectifying the environmental damage inflicted by previous generations. With the next annual Dawn Project Competition scheduled for next year, the organization will continue to promote its tree-planting initiative, encouraging everyone to plant at least one tree. Since its inception, the organization has successfully planted over 3,000 trees.
The event this year was sponsored by British Deputy High Commission Lagos, Bridge Clinic, Ark Insurance , Lababidi Holdings, LUFASI Park, Swift Networks and Punch Newspaper.
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