Oluwaseyi Moejoh, affectionately called Seyi, has come a long way from her days of picking up plastic bottles as a teenager. Almost 7 years ago, if someone had told her that she would one day make history as the first young African woman named a Young Superhero for Earth, it would have seemed far-fetched. But that was just the beginning of her remarkable journey.
A Call to Action
Oluwaseyi’s interest in tackling plastic pollution sparked when she was a 16-year-old high school student. She was disheartened by the rising pollution levels in her country and concerned about the lack of meaningful involvement of the next generation in finding solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.
Since then, with relentless passion, Seyi has spearheaded over 50 youth-led projects in the past six years to address plastic pollution and catalyze climate action in Nigeria and Africa. Through her nonprofit, U-recycle Initiative Africa, she has led initiatives such as deploying “talking” recycling bins in leading universities, developing a tech-enabled gamified learning platform about plastic pollution, and conducting climate education workshops in low-income schools across Nigeria.
A Testament to Youth Power
Seyi’s favorite quote, “Young people can change the world, give us a chance,” echoes her journey. At just 22, her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of youth when given an opportunity to shape a sustainable future. It’s also a clarion call to older generations to support young people in realizing their dreams of a greener, healthier planet.
Despite facing challenges due to her age, gender, and background, Seyi refused to be held back. She believes in the importance of intergenerational collaboration, understanding, and listening to the needs of the earth, the vulnerable, and the next generation.
Recognition and Acknowledgment
Last month, in Atlanta, United States, Oluwaseyi was honored with the 2024 Young SuperHero for Earth Award by the Captain Planet Foundation (CPF), the oldest and largest youth-focused environmental organization globally. This recognition places her among environmental visionaries like President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Xiye Bastida. Additionally, she was named one of Leading Ladies Africa’s 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria for 2024.
The CPF, an offshoot of the Captain Planet and the Planeteers animated series, aims to foster youth’s connection with nature and empower them to create change. Through various programs like Project Learning Garden and the Planeteer Alliance, CPF has impacted over 1.7 million K-12 youth globally, nurturing a generation of eco-conscious leaders.
Oluwaseyi Moejoh’s journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of youth to drive positive change and create a more sustainable future for all.
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