FG backs 2025 Stockholm Junior Water Prize to boost climate adaptation

2 minutes read

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has pledged full support for the 2025 Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition, an initiative aimed at encouraging young Nigerians to develop innovative solutions to water and environmental challenges.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced this on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja, where he formally launched the call for applications. Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Shettima emphasized the importance of early exposure to water-related issues, particularly in the face of climate change.

“This competition is specifically targeted at young people between 15 and 20 years old to instill a culture of awareness and responsibility regarding water and environmental challenges,” he said.

From left: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha; Deputy Chief of Staff, State House, Sen Ibrahim Hadejia; Head, Political and Trade Affairs, Swedish Embassy Abuja, Mr Fredrik Ahsbero and National Organiser, Stolkholm Junior Water Prize Nigeria, Mr Godwin Chinemerem, during a news conference on the Stolkholm Junior Water Prize Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday (27/03/2025).

He highlighted the significance of this year’s edition, referencing discussions from his 2024 engagement in Oslo and the anticipated visit of Sweden’s Crown Princess later in the year.

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize, an international competition spanning 35 countries, encourages students to develop projects that address global water challenges. In Nigeria, applications are open from March 27 to May 2, 2025, after which successful candidates will compete at regional and national finals, culminating in a grand event at the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja.

From left: Deputy Chief of Staff, State House, Sen Ibrahim Hadejia; Head, Political and Trade Affairs, Swedish Embassy Abuja, Mr Fredrik Ahsbero and National Organiser, Stolkholm Junior Water Prize Nigeria, Mr Godwin Chinemerem, during a news conference on the Stolkholm Junior Water Prize Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday(27/03/2025).

Speaking at the event, Fredrik Åhsberg, Head of Political and Trade Affairs at the Embassy of Sweden, described the competition as a platform to engage young minds in tackling water-related crises. Ikechukwu Chinemerem, Nigeria’s National Coordinator for the competition, added that the initiative would equip students with problem-solving skills and innovative approaches to water management.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and is seeking global support to enhance market access and economic growth.

Speaking at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Aid for Trade Session in Geneva, the Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, said Nigeria is positioning itself as a regional hub for digital services.