When Tariq Lawal took to the streets of Lagos in 2023 demanding climate action, he was not just another voice in the crowd. He was a teenager armed with poetry, purpose, and an unshakeable belief that his generation could move mountains — or at least stop them from crumbling into the sea.
In a world where young people are often told to wait their turn, Tariq Lawal refuses to stay in his lane. At just 19 years old, this Lagos-born writer, artist, and social entrepreneur has amassed a portfolio that would make seasoned diplomats envious: a UNODC competition winner, Diana Award recipient, National Geographic honoree, Global Citizen Emerging Creative, and Youth Advisory Council member for World Ocean Day and TikTok.
But what makes Tariq truly remarkable is not the accolades — it is the philosophy that drives him. He calls himself an “angelic troublemaker,” a term borrowed from legendary civil rights organizer Bayard Rustin. For Tariq, being an angelic troublemaker means causing the right kind of disruption: speaking truth to power, challenging corrupt systems, and refusing to accept that poverty and environmental destruction are inevitable.
Awards, Achievements & Global Recognition
Described by World Ocean Day as one of Nigeria's most globally recognized teenage changemakers, Tariq's journey from Lagos Island to international recognition reads like a masterclass in turning passion into impact.
π Diana Award Recipient
The highest honor a young person can receive for social action and humanitarian work.
π UNODC Winner
First place in the BeWildForNature Wildlife Sensitization Campaign for the Let's Conserve app concept.
πΈ National Geographic
Honorable Mention in the 2025 Slingshot Challenge.
π¨ Global Citizen
2024 Emerging Creative highlighting climate change's impact on Lagos Island.
π Earth Prize
Youth Board Member and African Scholar.
π Yale Recognition
Recognition of Excellence from Yale Entrepreneurial Society.
“My art is basically my way of reimagining a better way to be in the world. It is what makes me feel like the world is not enough but it can be.” — Tariq Lawal
Watch the Full Interview
In this powerful conversation on The World's Mayor Experience, Tariq shares his journey from scribbling poems in school notebooks to standing before the United Nations.
On Gratitude: The Blessing of Being Alive
When asked what he is grateful for, Tariq's answer cuts through the noise of modern cynicism with startling simplicity: life itself.
“I'm definitely grateful for being alive. Often times we do not appreciate the shared blessing of just being alive — being able to dream, to live, to experience things.” — Tariq Lawal
How Did Lagos Shape Tariq Lawal?
The world often sees Lagos through a lens of chaos and poverty. Tariq sees it through a lens of possibility. Growing up between the residential estates of Lagos Island and Lekki, he witnessed both the hustle of ambitious Nigerians striving for better lives and the generational wealth of families who had built businesses from nothing.
“It is common knowledge that the most ambitious Nigerians are in Lagos. The city pulses with so much ambition and drive.” — Tariq Lawal
The Angelic Troublemaker: Disrupting the Status Quo
Nigerian society, like many traditional cultures, emphasizes conformity. Do not rock the boat. Do not challenge elders. Stay in your lane. For Tariq, these expectations became the very walls he needed to break through.
“So many people are afraid to engage in activism or raise awareness about issues that affect them.” — Tariq Lawal
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
Prefer audio? Catch the complete conversation on your favorite podcast platform.
Beyond Awareness: Building Real Solutions
Tariq's evolution as an activist mirrors a broader shift in climate advocacy. He started with awareness campaigns, but he realized something crucial: information alone does not change behavior.
“People are more aware than ever. But knowing about issues doesn't solve anything. We need to go beyond just knowing — we need to get our hands dirty.” — Tariq Lawal
Why Environmental Literacy Is a Human Right
The Lagos Island Literacy Project is not just about teaching children to read books. It is about teaching environmental and civic literacy.
“We cannot repeat the mistakes of past generations by separating nature from humans.” — Tariq Lawal
Ubuntu: I Am Because You Are
When discussing how to combat the modern epidemic of apathy, Tariq reaches for ancient African wisdom: Ubuntu.
“Ubuntu teaches us that we exist to take care of one another, to respect each other, to show common basic humanity.” — Tariq Lawal
Advice for Young Changemakers: Your Voice Is Your Power
For the 13-year-old who is angry about the world but feels small, Tariq's advice is disarmingly simple: use your voice.
“Your voice is the most powerful thing you have.” — Tariq Lawal
Key Takeaways for Young Activists
- Start with your voice — speaking up as a young person is rare and powerful.
- Use your unique talents — art, writing, music, or technology can all drive change.
- Build community — courage grows with others.
- Move beyond awareness — create tangible solutions.
- Practice Ubuntu — your liberation is tied to others' liberation.
A Message to the World: “Aiyé Dùn, Ènìyàn Ló Soro”
“Aiyé dùn, ènìyàn ló soro.”
Translation: “The world is very sweet, but we humans make it very difficult.” — Tariq Lawal
In this simple proverb lies the heart of Tariq's worldview. The Earth is a gift. The crises we face are the result of human choices. And if humans created these problems, humans can unmake them.
π³π¬ Supporting Nigerian Youth Innovation: Hult Prize Nigeria
Tariq's story exemplifies what is possible when Nigerian youth are given platforms and resources to innovate. Hult Prize Nigeria is building exactly those pathways.
Learn more at hultprize-ng.com or donate directly at hultprize-ng.com/donate.
Connect with Tariq Lawal
Follow Tariq's journey, support his work, and join the movement of angelic troublemakers creating change across the globe.
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