Convened by The Green Institute, the Officially Green Leaders Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded national initiative designed to identify and equip one exceptional sustainability leader from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This immersive residency brings together emerging climate advocates, sustainability professionals, and community change-makers for an intensive week of advanced leadership training, strategic collaboration, and structured action planning.

The Fellowship is more than a training program — it is a coordinated national movement to institutionalize sustainability leadership across Nigeria.

About the Fellowship

The Officially Green Leaders Fellowship selects 37 outstanding leaders — one from each state and the FCT— through a competitive, merit-based national process.

Selected fellows will participate in a high-impact residential leadership experience designed to:

  • Strengthen climate governance and sustainability leadership capacity

  • Equip fellows with practical tools for policy engagement and advocacy

  • Develop structured state-level sustainability strategies

  • Establish Officially Green State Sustainability Cabinets

  • Build a coordinated national network of sustainability leaders

At the conclusion of the residency, each fellow returns to their state as an Officially Green State Lead, responsible for implementing a 12-month sustainability action blueprint.

What the Residency Covers

🔹 Energy Transition & Green Innovation

  • Renewable and decentralized energy systems

  • Circular economy models

  • Green enterprise and sustainable innovation

  • Climate finance and funding pathways

🔹 Climate Leadership & Governance

  • Climate science foundations and policy frameworks

  • Subnational environmental governance structures

  • Institutional engagement and public policy processes

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) localization

🔹 State Green Action Blueprint Lab

  • 12-month sustainability roadmap

  • Clear KPIs and measurable milestones

  • Partnership mapping strategy

  • Monitoring and impact tracking framework

🔹 Advocacy & Strategic Communication

  • Policy advocacy frameworks

  • Stakeholder engagement strategy

  • Media positioning and public speaking

  • Building influence across government, civil society, and private sector

 

🔹 State Sustainability Cabinet Formation

Each fellow will design and structure a State Sustainability Cabinet, including leadership roles such as:

  • Renewable Energy Lead

  • Circular Economy Lead

  • Climate Education Coordinator

  • Biodiversity & Conservation Officer

  • Community Engagement Director

  • Research & Policy Analyst

Fellowship Coverage (Fully Funded)

The Officially Green Leaders Fellowship is fully supported to ensure equitable participation from all 36 states.

Selected fellows will receive:

  • Full residential accommodation for the one-week residency

  • All meals and refreshments throughout the program

  • Transportation funding to and from the residency location

The fellowship removes financial barriers, ensuring selection is based solely on merit, leadership potential, and commitment to sustainability.

A Landmark National Sustainability Activation

As part of the 2026 cohort, fellows will also contribute to a major national sustainability activation designed to position Nigeria prominently within the global climate leadership landscape. Details will be announced in due course.

Who Should Apply

We are seeking visionary individuals who demonstrate:

  • Proven commitment to sustainability or environmental action

  • Leadership experience or strong leadership potential

  • Capacity to mobilize stakeholders within their state

  • Dedication to structured, measurable impact

Applicants may come from civil society, academia, public service, private sector, or grassroots initiatives.

Fellowship Outcomes

Within 12 months of the residency:

  • 37 Operational State Sustainability Cabinets

  • Coordinated national sustainability campaigns

  • State-level environmental initiatives implemented

  • Strengthened youth-led climate advocacy nationwide

  • A unified national ecosystem of sustainability leaders

Applications Now Open

Applications for the 2026 Cohort are now open.

  •  Application Deadline: August 26, 2026

  • One Fellow will be selected from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT

  • Selection is competitive and merit-based

We strongly encourage early applications.

APPLY NOW

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Yes. The Fellowship is fully funded by The Green Institute.

    Selected fellows will receive:

    • Full residential accommodation for the one-week residency

    • All meals and refreshments throughout the program

    • Transportation funding to and from the residency location

    There are no participation fees.


  • Applicants must:

    • Be residents of one of Nigeria’s 36 states

    • Demonstrate commitment to sustainability, climate action, or environmental leadership

    • Show evidence of leadership potential or community engagement

    • Be available to participate fully in the one-week residential program

    Professionals, academics, civil society leaders, entrepreneurs, and grassroots organizers are encouraged to apply.


  • A total of 36 fellows will be selected — one representative from each state.

    Selection is competitive and merit-based.

  • Each fellow will return to their state as an Officially Green State Lead and will be responsible for:

    • Establishing a State Sustainability Cabinet

    • Implementing a 12-month State Green Action Blueprint

    • Coordinating sustainability initiatives within their state

    • Participating in the national Officially Green Leaders Network

    Fellows remain part of an active national leadership community.

  • The residency will be hosted at a designated retreat location.
    Confirmed details will be shared directly with selected fellows.

  • The residency includes training in:

    • Climate governance and policy

    • Energy transition and green innovation

    • Sustainability strategy and impact measurement

    • Advocacy and stakeholder engagement

    • Cabinet formation and leadership structuring

    It is designed to provide both strategic knowledge and practical implementation tools.

  • Yes. Multiple individuals from the same state may apply.
    However, only one fellow will ultimately be selected to represent each state.

  • There is no strict age limit.
    The selection committee prioritizes leadership capacity, impact potential, and commitment to sustainability.

  • The application deadline is:

    August 26, 2026

    Late applications will not be considered.

  • Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly via email.
    Final selection announcements will be made following the review process.


  • The Officially Green Leaders Fellowship is unique because it:

    • Selects one leader per state

    • Establishes structured State Sustainability Cabinets

    • Focuses on measurable 12-month implementation plans

    • Builds a coordinated national sustainability leadership network

    It is designed for long-term institutional impact — not just short-term training.

APPLY NOW