Meristem Securities Limited, through its youth-focused corporate social responsibility initiative, MORE by Meristem, has awarded N26m in grants to emerging climate-focused entrepreneurs in Lagos State.
The funding, distributed at the grand finale of the MORE Lagos Green Cohort I, marks a significant milestone in capital market-led interventions for environmental sustainability. The initiative, which commenced in September 2025, attracted nearly 200 entries from youth innovators designing scalable solutions for waste management, renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable production.
Following a rigorous screening process that narrowed the pool down to nine finalists, the founder of BuyScrap Nigeria, Joshua Ndaman, emerged as the overall winner, securing the star grant of N10m. Edidiong Udoh of AirChain clinched second place with an N6m grant, while Rofiat Olaleye of Eco Heroes secured N4m in third position.
Additionally, consolation grants of N1m each were awarded to four finalists, Eloghosa Oviahon, Jeremiah Hinmikaye, Oluwatosin Afolayan, and Mariam Odesola, while two alumni of the broader MORE by Meristem programme, David Olaibi and Stephen Apeh, also received N1m each to scale their eco-businesses.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative and the potential of the winners, Head of MORE by Meristem, Imaobong Asemah, said, “Our goal at MORE is to support entrepreneurs who are solving real problems to create sustainable and scalable business models, and we believe the next generation of successful global entrepreneurs will emerge from platforms like MORE by Meristem.”
Asemah further emphasised the long-term commitment of the organisation to fostering institutional support for youth-led environmental solutions, adding, “Building on the success of the MORE Lagos Green Initiative, MORE by Meristem continues to reinforce its commitment to advancing ESG-focused innovation and supporting startups developing sustainable, impact-driven solutions for Nigeria’s future.”
Looking ahead to the next phase of the investment programme, she concluded, “As part of its broader vision to drive long-term environmental and social impact, the next call for applications will open soon with a thematic focus on agribusiness and agriculture, further expanding its support for solutions that promote sustainability, economic growth, and national development.”
Unlike conventional pitch competitions, the MORE Lagos Green initiative operated as an ecosystem-driven youth investment programme. Finalists benefited from strategic mentorship, venture support, and deep-dive learning resources housed on the MORE by Meristem digital platform, a freely accessible learning hub designed to equip young Africans with business acumen.
The initiative reflects an accelerating trend within Nigeria’s financial services sector, where capital market operators are increasingly tying corporate social investments to Environmental, Social, and Governance frameworks. By supporting early-stage green ventures, Meristem Group is positioning itself as a key catalyst for ESG-driven impact, backing innovations that offer a pathway toward both ecological preservation and economic growth in Africa’s most populous city.
