From tech advancements to creative arts and social impact projects, young innovators redefined the boundaries of possibility. In this report, YETUNDE AJANAKU highlights some of the most inspiring stories of youths who turned their ideas into realities, among others.
In a year marked by significant global and local challenges, Nigerian youths emerged as trailblazers, proving that creativity and innovation can thrive even in the most difficult circumstances. Across various industries, from technology to the arts and social development, young Nigerians transformed their ideas into impactful solutions that addressed pressing issues, improved lives, and inspired hope.
Their contributions went beyond personal achievements, as many of these projects created ripple effects in their communities and across borders. With limited resources but boundless determination, some of these youths utilised tools such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, photography, storytelling and digital platforms to address problems like unemployment, climate change, educational inequality and dearth of vocational creativity.
Below are some of the youths whose impacts from last year highlight the resilience, ingenuity, and contributions to national and global progress that Nigerian youths are known for.
16-year-old UI/UX designer on a mission
At just 16, Toluwanimi Omotoso is not only excelling as a UI/UX designer but also championing the cause of girl child advocacy. Her passion for the rights and well-being of girls inspired her to establish a social enterprise called Evolve Girl Africa.
According to her, the foundation of empowering young girls lies in self-awareness and growth. Through Evolve Girl Africa, she has created a safe space for girls to evolve into the best versions of themselves. Her latest project—a self-help app—addresses a pressing need among teenage girls: caring for their mental and physical well-being.
“As a UI/UX designer, I wanted to create a solution to this problem,” she said. “This app is designed to help girls prioritise their minds and bodies, which are often neglected areas.”
With a clear understanding of user interface and user experience, she tailored the app specifically for teenagers.
“Being a teenager myself, I know what appeals to us—certain colours, fonts, and design elements that make an app engaging and relatable,” she explained.
For her, the most rewarding part of the process has been bringing her ideas to life. “Seeing the app come together and knowing it will help so many girls keeps me motivated. The end goal of empowering girls drives my passion.”
Toluwanimi hopes the app will promote self-acceptance, encourage girls to embrace their unique qualities, and establish habits that enhance mental and physical health.
Among its features, she is particularly excited about the mood tracker, a tool designed to help users recognise emotional patterns and practice mindfulness.
Through her innovative work and advocacy, Toluwanimi exemplifies how technology can be a powerful tool for change, proving that age is no barrier to making a significant impact.
Using words to change the world
For David Olamide Amore, writing is not just a profession but an art—a powerful tool through which he connects with people, conveys emotions, and shares stories that transcend everyday language.
Inspired by his love for reading and storytelling, he was drawn to writing as a means of expression.
“Through books and stories, I realised that words could motivate, educate, and even transform society,” he explained.
His admiration for African writers like Wole Soyinka, who have used their works to shape global perspectives, further fueled his passion to become a writer.
His inspiration for stories often arises from the world around him—personal experiences, societal issues, and the everyday interactions that offer endless possibilities for creativity.
“Sometimes, a simple word or a passing thought can spark an entire project,” he said.
Additionally, the life stories of others and thorough research, both academic and creative, contribute to the authenticity and depth of his work.
His goal is to weave together creativity and purpose in every piece he writes, creating work that resonates deeply with his audience.
He finds the most joy in writing when he can create new worlds, characters, and narratives that engage and move his readers.
In both academic and creative writing, he enjoys simplifying complex ideas and crafting pieces that provoke thought and emotional connection.
“The pleasure of seeing my ideas come to life and knowing they’ll resonate with someone is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
Despite the challenges writers face, such as writer’s block and self-doubt, Olamide remains committed to his craft.
He overcomes these obstacles by stepping away from the work when necessary, seeking inspiration in reading, music, or nature, and maintaining a structured writing schedule. Constructive feedback, too, plays an essential role in refining his work and pushing him to grow.
His biggest dream is to write a book that will profoundly impact its readers, provoking them to think, reflect, and embrace simplicity and humility.
“I want to create a book that emphasises the transient nature of material possessions and encourages readers to focus on values like kindness, purpose, and humility,” he said.
With a goal to publish globally and inspire positive change, Olamide aims to leave a lasting legacy as a writer whose work speaks to the heart of humanity.
Using documentaries to impact society
Ayo Adams is a passionate filmmaker with a vision to craft narratives that not only tell compelling stories but also create positive change in society.
A graduate of Performing and Film Arts from the University of Ilorin, he was inspired to delve into filmmaking as a means of exploring human experiences and the socio-cultural aspects of life.
“My work focuses on human-angle experiences, exploring a wide range of themes that speak to the nuances of our society and lives,” he explained.
The filmmaking process is both exciting and challenging for him, but it’s the fieldwork—the part where he connects with people and uncovers the unique reasons behind their actions—that excites him most.
“Gathering story elements on the ground allows me to form deep connections with individuals and gain insight into their lives,” he said.
The themes for his documentaries often stem from socio-cultural issues, personal experiences, social media trends, books, and movies, which offer a rich pool of inspiration.
However, the path to bringing his stories to life is not without its challenges. “Finance is one of the biggest hurdles I face,” he admitted.
To manage this, he has learned to save towards his goals and seek support from family, friends, and well-wishers.
Additionally, gaining access to certain people or locations can be difficult, so patience and careful planning are required to navigate these obstacles.
For him, each challenge is an opportunity to delve deeper into the story and understand its environment and characters before beginning the editing process.
Gbenga Adewunmi Oshinaike, Lead Photographer at DewunmiLagos, has turned his passion for photography into a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment. Alongside his team, Gbenga has embraced innovation and overcome challenges to position himself as a prominent voice in documentary photography.
His love for cameras began during his 2014 internship at Wazobia TV. Armed with a tiny digital camera, he captured moments that sparked his passion for the art. Returning to school, he gained recognition among peers, which led to small photography gigs and eventually inspired him to start a blog.
During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, Gbenga discovered his interest in documentary photography. The scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme provided foundational knowledge, and he devoted countless nights to mastering the craft. This period became pivotal, allowing him to refine his skills and develop a unique perspective. Gbenga’s achievements include using his lens to bring Nigeria’s rich culture to the world.
As one of the photographers who showcased Ojude Oba—a significant Yoruba festival—on a global scale, he has emphasised the importance of embracing and preserving culture through photography., Gbenga and his team train aspiring photographers, equipping them with skills to tell authentic stories from their unique perspectives. His work remains grounded in integrity, ensuring that every narrative he documents is unbiased and impactful.
Like many creatives, Gbenga encountered numerous obstacles, from limited access to core locations for his documentaries to inadequate funding. Another significant challenge was convincing people to share their stories, as many were hesitant about being documented.
Despite these setbacks, Gbenga persevered, emphasising the value of preserving memories and cultural heritage.
In 2025, Gbenga aims to expand his reach by participating in more festivals, building archives of cultural events, and collaborating with like-minded creatives. He sees his camera as a powerful tool to project the vibrant traditions of Nigeria and Africa to the world.
Through his dedication and passion, Gbenga exemplifies the innovative spirit of Nigerian youth, proving that storytelling through photography can inspire change and preserve cultural identity.
Uplifting young girls through vocational craft
Esther Anthony, Creative Director of Arcangel Designers, has transformed her childhood passion into a thriving fashion business. With over a decade of experience in the bag-making industry, Esther combines creativity, African culture, and empowerment to craft top-notch designs while uplifting young girls through her vocational training initiative.
Her love for fashion began as a teenager when she turned fabric scraps into accessories like earrings, bangles, and clutch purses. As she matured, her passion for creativity deepened, inspiring her to hone her skills in designing and crafting.
With determination, Esther seized the opportunity to learn bag-making professionally, gradually improving her craft to build a reputable brand in the Nigerian fashion industry. Her brand, Arcangel Designers, officially launched in 2014.
Specialising in leather and Ankara-based designs, it offers unique products ranging from designer bags and backpacks to souvenirs and footwear for diverse audiences. Over the years, the brand has gained both local and international recognition for its high-quality and innovative offerings.
Esther has redefined the fashion industry with her groundbreaking designs, blending traditional African aesthetics with contemporary fashion trends. By drawing inspiration from various cultural and fashion templates, Arcangel Designers has curated unique collections that appeal to a global audience. The brand’s commitment to celebrating African creativity and bridging the gap between African fashion and the global market has earned it a loyal clientele.
Through exhibitions, collaborations, and word-of-mouth, Arcangel Designers continues to break barriers, setting new standards in the fashion world. The journey was not without obstacles. In the early stages, Esther faced funding limitations and struggled to acquire advanced equipment to ease production. Building a loyal customer base also proved challenging, as many initially doubted the quality and authenticity of locally made products.
However, Esther’s resilience and consistent efforts to maintain high standards gradually turned the tide, earning trust and widespread patronage. Looking ahead, Esther plans to maintain the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation while creating an even better experience for customers.
She also aims to expand her impact through her annual school project, “Let’s Help Them Skill Up,” which empowers girls to become financially independent by teaching them valuable skills. Esther Anthony’s story is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and the drive to empower others—a shining example of how Nigerian youth are innovating and inspiring change.
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