Two teams of young Nigerians have gained international recognition at the 2025 Slingshot Challenge.

The competition, which drew over 2,700 entries from 96 countries, aimed to empower young people aged 13-18 to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges in their communities.

The challenge was organised by the National Geographic Society and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

A team of 18-year-olds from Port Harcourt, comprising Lesley John Jumbo, Bright Sunday, and Blessed Pepple, took top honors with their project, Reforest AI.

The innovation uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), embedded systems, and IoT technology to monitor forests and prevent illegal deforestation.

The team won a $10,000 grant and will present their project at the National Geographic Explorers Festival in Washington D.C. in June.

Another team from Northern Nigeria, consisting of Faruk Salisu, Abdullahi Ibn-Ishaq, and Faisal Sa’id, received the Distinguished Achievement Award for their initiative, Fueling Trees Using Biogas.

Their project introduced a biogas digester made from locally sourced materials, providing communities with a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to firewood.

This initiative not only addresses deforestation but also promotes awareness of biogas as an eco-friendly energy solution.

Naomi Inwe, based in Ajegunle, Lagos, earned the Significant Achievement Award for her project, Trash to Treasure.

Q Her initiative engages youth in plastic waste reduction through upcycling workshops, clean-ups, and digital advocacy.

Deborah Grayson, Chief Education Officer at National Geographic Society, noted, “These young innovators are not only identifying urgent environmental issues in their own communities, but they’re also developing thoughtful solutions to address them.”

Lara Littlefield, Executive Director of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, added, “We are proud to recognize and invest in these awardees on their journey to secure a thriving planet.”