By Abbas Nazil
NatureNews, Africa’s leading newspaper on environment and climate change, has announced the winners of its prestigious Hero of Environmental Actions for Development (HEAD) Award for 2025.
The HEAD Award, now in its fifth year, was established to honour individuals and organisations making exceptional contributions to environmental protection, climate action, and sustainability in Nigeria.
Announcing the winners in a statement, Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Aliu Akoshile, described the HEAD Award as a unique platform “dedicated to recognising patriotic Nigerians and institutions that are leading the charge towards environmental regeneration, climate resilience, and ecological sustainability.”
According to Akoshile, the winners were selected after a rigorous and transparent evaluation process, focusing on the impact, innovation, and sustainability of their interventions across different sectors.
He stated that the 2025 edition of the HEAD Award attracted a diverse array of nominees, reflecting a growing national consciousness around the need for urgent environmental action.
Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, emerged winner in the Energy Transition category for his forward-thinking projects in solar energy and inclusive energy access.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State received the WASH Award for his government’s major strides in water infrastructure and sanitation.
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State won in the Climate-Resilient Agriculture category for introducing policies that empower farmers and promote food security.
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, was recognised for Environmental Governance, based on his outstanding policy leadership and global advocacy.
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, won the Eco-friendly digital Innovation Award for pioneering paperless operations across key ministries and promoting environmental sustainability within the Nigerian civil service.
Other awardees include First Bank Plc (Climate Finance), Gegele Yahya Olushola (Smart-Energy Solution), Tantita Security Services (Environmental Security), Dangote Sugar (Climate Mitigation), and Arc. Blossom Eromosele (Environmental Design).
Other are: National Park Service (Biodiversity Conservation), Modern Shelter Limited (Eco-Friendly Habitat), Moniepoint (Eco-Smart Banking), Rita Idehai (Circular Economy), and the North East Development Commission (Climate Adaptation).
“These champions,” Akoshile said, “have demonstrated that it is possible to combine leadership with action to provide solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.”
He added that the award was not only a celebration of excellence but a clarion call to individuals, public officials, corporate bodies, and youth across Nigeria to embrace sustainability as a way of life.
Each winner has delivered measurable environmental impact—from reducing carbon footprints and conserving biodiversity to promoting climate finance and fostering environmental awareness.
Their efforts demonstrate the power of innovation, policy, and collaboration in creating a more sustainable future for Nigeria and the continent at large.
Akoshile noted that this year’s award ceremony will take place in Abuja in October, with further details to be released soon.
He urged development partners, policymakers, private institutions, and civil society to join in honouring the awardees and supporting the country’s growing environmental movement.
“As we face climate emergency, we must recognise climate-resilient innovations and support those who are walking the talk,” he stressed.
By shining a spotlight on these change-makers, NatureNews reaffirms its mission to inspire, inform, and influence policies and actions that protect Nigeria’s natural environment.
Now in its fifth year, the maiden HEAD Award in 2021 was presented at a colourful ceremony held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, at which distinguished Professor Mark Mwandosya from Tanzania presented the *guest lecture*.
The event, which pioneered a unique environmental award in Nigeria, was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Ministers, traditional rulers, corporate chieftains, environmental activists, climate advocates, and students.
The HEAD Award was promoted by NatureNews to engender climate awareness and reward spectacular initiatives aimed at reversing the impact of climate change in Africa.
The award project enjoys the support of the newspaper’s *advisory board*, which is composed of eminent personalities from across Africa.
_Abbas Nazil, who holds First Class in Forestry and Wildlife Management, is a Reporter with NatureNews_