A Nigerian Girl Transforms a Landfill into a Green Oasis and Sparks an Ecological Revolution

Editorial : Omar Kadir

At just 17, Amara Nwuneli is reshaping environmental activism in Nigeria. Winner of the prestigious 2025 Earth Prize, she was recognized for transforming a landfill in Lagos into a sustainable community park built from recycled tires and reclaimed materials. Born from a bold vision and a deep ecological commitment, the project created a green space where residents can garden, learn to sort waste, and reconnect with nature. Through her initiative Preserve Our Roots, Amara goes beyond recycling — she regenerates.

Building on this success, she now aims to expand her model to three additional states — Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo — by developing new ecological parks. These will include urban greenhouses, waste collection centers, and community gardens, all designed to strengthen climate resilience in urban areas. Amara’s journey is a powerful example of how Africa’s youth can take meaningful action in the face of the climate emergency. Her story carries a message of hope: regenerating the planet can start with a single street, one idea, and the determination to change the world.