Lagos to Sharm was a pre-COP27 event that took place before COP27 –  the 27th United Nations Climate Change conference which aims to deliver action on an array of issues which are critical to tackling the climate emergency.

In the words of Lola Shoneyin, “Ake Festival regularly invites experts to speak to us about Climate Change, to remind us how we can collectively slow down the destruction of our planet, and help burn it into our minds that today’s actions or inaction will be felt by generations to come. “

At the Lagos to Sharm event, we held panel discussions featuring  inspiring guests such as Joan Bishio, Oladosu Ademola, Yoanna Chikzie, Nonhlanhla Radebe and Seun Awobajo. One of the panels focused on the incredible work women are doing on the continent, not to forget the panel discussion on ‘Youth Response to Climate Change’.

The Book Buzz Foundation organised the Climate Change Poetry Prize for 18-35 year-olds with Tade Ipadeola, Hauwa Saleh, and Efe Paul Azino as judges. 

From 564 entries, we made a long list of nine poets and shortlisted three. Olumide Manuel won the prize and took home a cheque of N500,000.