2nd–3rd July | Civic Centre, Lagos

The Civic Centre in Lagos was more than just a venue on the 2nd and 3rd of July, it became a living, breathing stage for innovation, passion, and purpose. As the sun rose over the city’s skyline, the glass façade of the Centre reflected not just the morning light, but the anticipation of hundreds of young changemakers, alumni, partners, and dignitaries arriving to witness a milestone: 25 years of Enactus Nigeria.

The theme, “Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence, Growth, and Impact,” was more than a slogan. It was a promise and a reminder of the journey from a small network of student entrepreneurs to a national movement shaping industries, communities, and futures.

Inside the grand hall, the air was electric. Banners celebrating past achievements lined the walls, while the stage, framed by vibrant lighting, stood ready for the next generation of innovators to step forward. Conversations buzzed in every corner: alumni reconnecting after years apart, students rehearsing their pitches one last time, and partners discussing the future of sustainable enterprise in Nigeria.

The competition floor was a showcase of ingenuity. Each team brought not just a project, but a vision for a better Nigeria, one where waste becomes wealth, energy is clean and accessible, and communities thrive through sustainable solutions.

From the stage came words that stirred ambition and pride.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President, praised Enactus’ “unwavering commitment to values”, urging changemakers to keep shaping Nigeria, and the world, for the better.

Mrs. Ibukun Awosika captivated the hall with her journey from student dreamer to boardroom leader, reminding all that “when you invest in young people, you invest in a nation’s tomorrow.”

Mr. Tonye Cole, Enactus Nigeria Board Chair, spotlighted the movement’s reach, over 15 million lives impacted since 2000.

From the global stage, George Tsiatis, CEO of Enactus Global, called Enactus “a movement and a promise” to young innovators, while Dr. Alvin Rohrs, former Enactus Global CEO, championed the role expansion of Enactus across Africa, sharing heartfelt stories of his interactions with the Country Director, Michael Ajayi through the years. Reminiscing on tales of old and the program has stood the test of time, grown and strengthened to what we see today.

The competition floor was a showcase of ingenuity. Each team brought not just a project, but an action taken for a better Nigeria, one where waste becomes wealth, energy is clean and accessible, and communities thrive through sustainable solutions.

From Tai Solarin University, the audience met Fibban Enterprise, a venture turning banana stems into biodegradable packaging, and Greenshield, which transforms discarded plastic into durable roofing sheets, tackling both environmental waste and housing challenges.

Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi (MOAUM) presented Viseal, an organic coating that slows fruit ripening, offering farmers and traders a way to reduce post-harvest losses and increase income.

Kaduna Polytechnic introduced EcoVolt, a solar kit ingeniously built from repurposed e-waste and plastic, providing affordable renewable energy while addressing electronic waste.

From Bayero University Kano (BUK) came two powerful solutions: Feather-to-Wealth, which turns poultry feathers into nutrient-rich fertilizer, and Portinverter, a solar-powered system designed to bring electricity to off-grid communities.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) showcased PUP Industries, an enterprise committed to upcycling plastic waste into valuable products, while Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM) impressed with Bettacoal, a smokeless cooking fuel made entirely from agricultural waste: a cleaner, healthier alternative for households across Nigeria.

Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) brought EcoFuel, a clean, affordable, and cost-effective energy solution made from agricultural and forestry waste, transforming what would have been environmental waste into a reliable source of clean energy.

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) presented Nutriharvest, a product made from meticulously blended and seasonal agricultural produce, jute leaves, processed into a fine powder to prevent spoilage, extend shelf life and all-year availability; a boost for food security and nutrition.

Babcock University introduced LeafyClean, an eco-friendly liquid soap made from eucalyptus plant that is safe for the skin, kind to the environment, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) showcased POSHFIL, an eco-friendly shoe polish made from banana peels, offering a sustainable, locally produced alternative to imported products.

The brilliance and determination displayed by the students at this year’s competition were nothing short of inspiring. Each team arrived with ideas born from deep empathy for their communities and a fearless commitment to solving real-world problems. From transforming agricultural waste into clean energy, to creating eco-friendly products that protect both people and the planet, these young innovators proved that the future of Nigeria is in capable, visionary hands. Their projects were not just business concepts, they were bold statements of hope, creativity, and resilience, showing that with passion and purpose, today’s youth can reimagine industries, restore the environment, and rewrite the story of sustainable development.

There were moments of reflection, as the audience honored the countless hours of work, the challenges overcome, and the lives changed over the past quarter-century. There were also moments of joy, laughter, applause, and even tears as the community recognized that this was not just an organization, but a family bound by a shared mission.

Looking Ahead

As the curtains closed on the 2025 National Competition, one truth stood out: the legacy of Enactus Nigeria is not confined to the past 25 years. It lives on in the students who stood on that stage, in the ideas that will grow into enterprises, and in the partnerships that will continue to fuel change.

The next chapter promises even greater impact, more lives touched, more communities transformed, and more young leaders empowered to turn vision into reality.

Here’s to the next 25 years of excellence, growth, and impact.