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Tag: Young entrepreneurs

  • Eight Young Entrepreneurs Win Grants at Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge in Ogun State

    Eight Young Entrepreneurs Win Grants at Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge in Ogun State

    The British Council, in partnership with King’s Trust International (KTI) and delivery partner NerdzFactory Company, hosted the Grand Finale of the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge in Abeokuta, Ogun State The event marked the conclusion of the third edition of the programme with NerdzFactory Company, which is part of the British Council’s Youth Connect Global Programme, designed to provide positive pathways for young people through entrepreneurship, employability, and active citizenship.

    The journey to the finale began with a pre-pitch event earlier in the programme cycle, where participants refined their business ideas and strengthened their models. From this stage, sixteen finalists were selected to pitch their enterprises at the Grand Finale, demonstrating creativity, resilience, and the drive to create sustainable businesses.

    At the close of the competition, eight winners emerged across four categories, with two winners in each category. In the Most Innovative Business Idea category, Mercy Enudi of Mercy Green briquettes and Ifeoluwa Garba of Standing Tree Papers were recognised. The Most Societally Friendly Business Idea award went to Olanrewaju Elizabeth of PraiseDomCollection and Paul Oluwafunke of Mide Errands. Winners of the Most Profitable Business Idea category were Boluwatife Ogundimu of Tife’s and Deborah Johnson of HCS Natural Fruit Drinks. Finally, the Most Environmentally Friendly Business Idea category was awarded to Adebayo Olumentiola of Mentees Adire and Oniyide Kamaldeen of D_legend Farms. All eight winners will now receive seed grants and tailored mentorship to scale their businesses and deepen their community impact.

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    The event was attended by Mr Awoliyi Biodun SMEDAN Ogun State Team lead and state manager, with representatives from the British Council, King’s Trust International, business leaders, and community stakeholders. Their presence underscored the importance of investing in young entrepreneurs as drivers of innovation, employment, and sustainable development.

    Speaking at the event, Ade Olowojoba, Programme Director at NerdzFactory Company, said: “The Grand Finale of the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge is more than a competition. It is a celebration of courage, creativity, and vision. These eight winners have demonstrated that young Nigerians are capable of building innovative, impactful, and sustainable enterprises. With continued support, they are positioned to contribute significantly to economic growth and community transformation.”

    Since its inception, the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge has trained over 130 entrepreneurs and produced 16 grant winners in Lagos alone. Extending to Ogun State expands its reach and reinforces its role as a national platform for enterprise development, with additional programme cycles currently underway in Imo, Jigawa, Abuja, and Rivers States.

  • Entrepreneurs to win N50m in The Next Titans

    Entrepreneurs to win N50m in The Next Titans

    To reduce unemployment, The Next Titan has announced its Season 10 for  young entrepreneurs seeking to demonstrate their acumen with business ideas and commercial insight.

     The new season is in need of innovative entrepreneurs with ideas to change the status quo with innovations to open up new avenues of economic success and growth that can transform industries.

     Speaking at Marriott Hotel, Lagos, Executive Producer of The Next Titan, Mide Akinlaja, said the initiative is aimed at scouting for young talents with entrepreneurial acumen, grooming them, and eventually funding a winner’s idea leading to opportunity to create jobs for themselves and others.

     According to him, The Next Titan has moved people from Job-Seekers to Job-Providers.

     He said considering the economy situation, there are plans to encourage young entrepreneurs to keep doing business. “When you look at this kind of period, it’s a period that younger entrepreneur need to look inward and get motivated to do things. When there’s a problem, that is when your innovativeness is needed, and that’s exactly what the next event is all about. We are bringing the best of their potential out to be able to think innovatively,” he said.

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     He said audition would begin in February, starting with Port Harcourt by allowing contestants to pitch their ideas through auditions in Abuja, Port Harcourt,Enugu, and Lagos before leading the top 50 boot camps, after which 20 finalists  would battle over tough tasks for N50 million.

    In a significant announcement, BETANO was revealed as the headline sponsor for Season 10.

    Country Manager of Betano, Kunle Olamuyiwa, emphasized that the synergy between their partnership resonates deeply with the brand’s values.

  • Young entrepreneurs shine at youth sustainable enterprise challenge grand finale

    Young entrepreneurs shine at youth sustainable enterprise challenge grand finale

    Eight young entrepreneurs emerged as winners at the grand finale of the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme (YSEC), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering young innovators.

    The event, organised by NerdzFactory Company in partnership with the British Council and King’s Trust International (KTI), was held in Lagos to showcase entrepreneurial excellence and innovation.

    After a rigorous selection process, 16 finalists were chosen from a competitive pool of candidates who began the YSEC programme in November 2024. Participants were paired with experienced mentors, who provided guidance on key business aspects such as securing funding, scaling operations, and establishing realistic profit timelines. The programme’s first edition, which ran from February to March 2024, culminated in a pitch competition where the finalists were awarded grants to scale their businesses.

    The winners are Jerry Apeh (Unique Hybrid Agro Enterprises) and Femi John (FMJ HANDCRAFTS), won Most Innovative Business Ideas category. 

    Oyetoro Darasimi (Bàtà Dara) and Adejuyigbe Afolabi (Diadem Educational Service) won Most Societal Business Ideas category. Dorcas Obeahan (Onit Innovations Limited) and Emmanuel Ajopo (Jago Farms) won Most Profitable Business Ideas category. Oghenetegiri Ogodo (Scrap2style) and Adeola Ogunkoya, also won Most Environmentally Friendly Business Ideas category.

    Each winner received a cash prize of three hundred thousand naira (N300,000).

    In his opening address, Ade Olowojoba, Founding Partner of NerdzFactory Company, underscored the significance of empowering young entrepreneurs to thrive in the competitive business world.

    “This programme embodies a shared commitment to equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources to excel in today’s business landscape,” Olowojoba said.

    Reflecting on his personal journey, Olowojoba shared how NerdzFactory began in 2017 with just N25,000 (approximately USD 100 at the time) from his room in Lagos. Encouraging participants, he noted:

    He also expressed gratitude to the programme partners for their pivotal roles in supporting the initiative.

    Regional Senior Marketing Manager, Education, Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, Babajide Sanusi emphasised the importance of practical business knowledge beyond having innovative ideas.

    Read Also: Ighele, Aboyeji urge churches to champion entrepreneurship, drive industrialisation

    “For many of them, having a good idea is great, but it’s not enough to run or scale a business. How do you set up and manage a team? How do you manage cash flow both inflow and outflow? Separating personal income from business income is also a critical skill,” Sanusi said.

    Country Manager, King’s Trust International, Damilola Sotuminu announced plans to expand the organisation’s youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria.

    “We currently work in Kano, Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. As the programme grows, we hope to support more young people and expand into additional states,” she said.

    Sotuminu described the event as “very inspiring,” particularly praising the innovative ideas presented.

    “Young people are always coming up with incredible solutions, and we hope to support them in the best way we can,” she added.

    Sotuminu explained that the programme is designed to provide structure for young people pursuing side businesses:

    “We know that our young people often have ‘side hustles,’ but there’s rarely a structured path to take them from business ideas to scalable enterprises. We’re trying to provide that pathway.”

    She encouraged the winners to: “Continue doing what brought you success. Grow your ideas relentlessly, seek mentorship, and leverage every opportunity for support—whether financial, strategic, or collaborative.”

    One of the winners, Emmanuel Ajopo, founder of Jago Farms, described the programme as transformative for his business and the Nigerian economy. He revealed plans to launch a factory for cassava by-products, which he pitched during the programme.

    Another winner, Jerry Apeh, founder of Unique Hybrid Agro Enterprises, called on the government to implement policies that encourage modern agricultural techniques to meet the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.

    “These policies are essential for Nigeria to scale agricultural production and ensure food security,” Apeh stressed.

    Another winner and founder of ECO HAVEN, Adeola Ogunkoya urged the government to support the waste management industry through empowerment programmes, training, and collaborations with innovators.

    Ogunkoya, whose company produces eco-friendly furniture from waste materials like tires, emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s waste management challenges.

  • Young entrepreneurs benefit from Phoenix award grants

    Young entrepreneurs benefit from Phoenix award grants

    Nigeria’s premiere creative learning platform, The Phoenix Project, has announced three exceptional young entrepreneurs who emerged as awardees of its annual pitch event– The Phoenix Den.

    The list of awardees who were singled out for their exceptional work includes Olukoya Benjamin-Founder of Shoggyben Visuals, Dawn Nketim-Rex-– Founder of The Film Joint, and Eric Nwanso– creator of an online platform for indigenous language and culture for Nigerian teens and adults.

    The awardees were selected from a group of 10 finalists who pitched their ideas to a panel of judges at the Access Bank Headquarters, Oniru, Lagos.

    Each awardee would receive a generous grant of N1.5 million. In addition to the financial support, the awardees will receive mentorship and access to a network of industry experts to guide their business growth including working closely with The Emerging Business unit of Access Bank to receive all necessary support through their entrepreneurial journey.

    Some of the benefits available to them include access to reduced interest business loans, access to tailored advisory services and business consultations designed for micro, small and medium enterprises through the Access SME business clinic.

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    The Phoenix Project, which launched in April 2022, provides training and support for individuals seeking to launch a business or career in the Nigerian creative industry. The three-tiered program includes the beginner (virtual), intermediate, and advanced levels (physical) in partnership with the School of Media and Communication of the Pan-Atlantic University, and a three-month incubation programme called the Phoenix Den at the Nest Innovation Tech Park. The 10 finalists at the event include Akintomide Aluko, Dawn Nketim-Rex, Deborah Ukpanah, Henry Owumi, Peace Monday, Eric Nwanso, Olukoya Benjamin, Tosin Jones, Temitope Mary Odo, and Laura Okpare.

    Speaking on the project, the Chief Executive Officer, Accelerate, Colette Otusheso stated that the Phoenix project remains a veritable platform to exhibit creative talents.

  • Young entrepreneurs empowered with N29 million

    27 young entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas recently emerged as winners in the 2018 edition of the International Breweries Plc Youth Empowerment Initiative. The event which took place at Mauve Event Centre, Ibadan, Oyo state  had 27  outstanding entrepreneurs, rewarded with varying amounts in grants totaling 29 million naira.

    The beneficiaries cut across states of the Southwestern region of the federation and they were delighted and motivated to put in more efforts. On its part, the organizers showed commitment and determination to help develop the next generation of outstanding Nigerian and African entrepreneurs for a better future.

    The Country Legal & Corporate Affairs Director for International Breweries Plc / AB InBev, Nigeria Otunba Micheal Daramola said: “This crop of entrepreneurs will contribute to the needed economic growth that will change the face of the southwest region, Nigeria and Continent in the coming years”. He also added that “With this empowerment comes big responsibility and the 27 KICKSTART beneficiaries should use the opportunity well”

    Guest of Honor, Chief Babajide Agbeja he admonished for “continuity and hard work as the backbone of any civilization that will excel”, he also went ahead to mention how the International Breweries Plc Kickstart Youth Empowerment Initiative since its commencement in 2015 and has received accolades for empowering 76 young businesses, and its ability to bring stakeholders, government officials captains of industry and other guests under one roof. He was full of praises for the organization and went ahead to ask that more should be done to reach more young entrepreneurs in the region.

     

     

  • Young entrepreneurs benefit from empowerment programme

    Five hundred entrepreneurs have benefitted from the just concluded Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (AYE) 2018 entrepreneurship programme which held at the Pistis Conference Center in Lekki, Lagos.

    Present at the event were established entrepreneurs like Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija (Chief Matron of A.Y.E); Billy Selekane from South Africa, Prof. Patrick Lumumba from Kenya, Olatorera Oniru of Olatorera.com; Tonye Cole of Sahara Group, and Music producer Don Jazzy of Mavin Records, among others.

    The programme started with an interactive session, curated by the Vice President of AYE, Miss Ibadah Ahmed, to give insight and words of encouragement to the young entrepreneurs.

    Cole discussed the challenges young entrepreneurs are likely to face starting up business, saying they should be prepared to face challenges and take cognizance of the principles of becoming a successful entrepreneur, such as keeping your vision, believing in yourself, holding on to those who will pull you up and staying focused.

    Read also: Dad hangs self after killing his four children

    Mrs. Alakija, who delivered the opening speech, noted that the collective effort of the organisation and its partners expanded AYE to over 21 countries in Africa, U.S.A and the U.K. She added that Global Entrepreneur Institute recognized it as the largest entrepreneurship network in the world.

    She advised young entrepreneurs, who admire successful business people, to always look out for their biographies and read so as to learn from their mistakes, build on it and take themselves to the next level.

    “No use looking at the glory, you must know the story and learn from it, I would like to remind you that it is God that gives wisdom even for the business,” she added.

     

  • Elumelu Foundation to empower Young Entrepreneurs

    Africa’s leading entrepreneurship philanthropy the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is partnering with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the German Government’s Agency for International Cooperation to empower young entrepreneurs in East and West Africa.

    About 210 young African entrepreneurs, focusing specifically on female entrepreneurs and tech-enabled businesses, are the direct target of the peogramme.

    The Entrepreneurship Programme of TEF launched in 2015, has supported more than 4,000 entrepreneurs with seed capital.

    The largest gathering of African entrepreneurs – The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum –will hold on October 25 in Lagos.

    The joint partnership will equip more African entrepreneurs with the skills needed to build strong and sustainable businesses.

    The partnership will be implemented by Make-IT in Africa, a programme GIZ is implementing on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

    Make-IT is already working in close collaboration with more than 20 corporate and financing partners, social enterprises, hubs, and networks to support an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs, to enable better access to finance, markets, and skills.

    By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on  August 8, , GIZ and TEF strengthened the entrepreneurial ecosystem to support African entrepreneurs. GIZ and TEF share the common understanding that young companies, especially from the technology sector, have the potential to radically transform the business landscape in Africa and are key drivers of sustainable development.

    “The partnership with GIZ ensures that more entrepreneurs across Africa will access seed capital, as well as the world-class TEF proprietary online training and mentoring programme. Since the launch of the programme, we have received over 300,000 applications, and we are actively looking at leveraging our success, so we can greatly exceed our own commitment to 1,000 entrepreneurs annually over 10 years,” Parminder Vir, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said

    The Country Director of GIZ Nigeria Dr. Thomas Kirsch, said: “Employment is the key measure for socio-economic development in Nigeria. Entrepreneurs and start-ups have the capacity to facilitate job creation in a way that wasn’t imaginable ten years ago.

    “We’ve entered a new era where initiatives by the German government, such as Make-IT in Africa, could be instrumental in empowering youth by addressing the skills gap and connecting them to markets, corporates, and financing opportunities. We are encouraged by this partnership with TEF and the opportunity to create lasting impact in the lives of many.”

  • Creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs

    Lagos entrepreneur Victor Paul is helping youths to achieve freedom from hunger through food multi-level marketing, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    From a humble beginning, the  Chief Executive of Paradox Farms  Food Train (PFFT),  Mr. Victor Paul, has  built a thriving multi-level marketing outfit.

    A seafarer, Paul became involved in food preparation at an early age.

    He set out to establish a food chain, which will not only provide food for Nigerians, but  also create job  opportunities  for  people.  By dint of hard work and persiverance, he has climbed to the pinnacle of Multi-level Marketing (MLM).

    With a network  of over 140, 000 members in Nigeria and Ghana, Paul has firmly established PFFT as one of the food industry top achievers. The team’s rapid growth has become a reference point in entreprenurship. Its grass-to-grace story has positioned Paul as an authority in the food market, where he is also living his dream of training young entrepreneurs. He has become a role-model not only for his team, but also for his firm’s partners.

    Relieving his experience and journey so far, Paul said his decision to establish PFFT was borne out of his desire to help reduce hunger in Nigeria. He said this was why he went into partnership with Mangal P.T.O of Croatia, Europe to launch PFFT.

    Paul said though he still remembers his humble beginning, working hard and smart while remaining determined, passionate, focused and positive, ensured he remained on the top of his chosen carreer.

    According to him, PFFT was not a get-rich-quick-business. Rather, the business, he said, was  founded on probity and professionalism, with a strong belief in hard hard as the  sure way to success.

    Explaining the modality for being part of the training, Paul said entrants pay N2, 500 to start. He also said members work in four stages.

    The bonus system is also very generous, as it gives trainees the opportunity to earn money. According to him, his greatest joy is to see transformation of peoples’ health.

    Besides making money, Paul said the goal was to see more Nigerians live and enjoy life in optimal health and being the best that they can be.

    The entrepreneur added that because finding a good job these days is an uphill task, especially for youths, PFFT has continued to  provide more youths productive employment and decent work.

    He said his biggest satisfaction is that on the basis of his firm’s intervention, many lives and finances have improved,  and that it is  fun  to see  people move from zero to owning a car, house, land, etc., which have transformed their lives.

    Key to the success of the business, according to him, was undertaking a market-led approach to creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

    Paul attributed the successes so far recorded by his company to team spirit  and hard work. He said most of them proved to be dedicated, resourceful, enterprising and eager to learn. He added that on his part, he had continued to motivate them, provided leadership and also inspire them so that together they could achieve success.

    Mrs Jenny Mark, an ex-banker, perhaps, personifies the company’s team spirit. She was one of the pioneers that joined during the founding phase, participating in a few direct selling firms.  She was encouraged by the effectiveness of PFFT’s products.

    She said she believed so much in the network’s business philosophy and capabilities that she went all out to focus on it. She added that joining the business guranteed her freedom and flexibility of time for her family.

    Today, Mrs Mark gives others hope to participate in PFFT. Her strong faith and positive attitude coupled with her willingness to learn and work  hard have helped her establish a large customer network.

    She shares PFFT business opportunities with other inspiring youths, so that more people can enjoy financial freedom like her.

    Mrs Patience Douglas is another  top marketer with PFFT. For her, building a successful career in direct selling has been an enriching experience. Today, she derives great satisfaction in grooming people, having become an achievers in her own right.

    Although Mrs Douglas admitted that the business was not smooth-sailing, she said she persevered and remain committed to her dreams. She said she had to overcome the obstacles because she was determined to secure a better future for her children.

    Mrs Douglas added that she was blessed with an understanding husband who believes in financial independence and so supported her.

    She said what determines business’ success is perseverance.

  • ‘We’ll provide enabling environment for young entrepreneurs’

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has pledged that his administration would continue to pay greater attention to the growth of young entrepreneurs and back it up with an enabling environment and friendly policies that will enhance success of their business initiatives.

    Ambode spoke through the Senior Special Assistant, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Temiwunmi Laura Tope-Banjoko at the Technology Exhibition programme organised by TEXPO in conjunction with PurpleChip for the youths and young entrepreneurial in Lagos.

    The exhibition was themed: “Driving Affordable and Sustainable Innovation”.

    She said the Lagos State employment Trust Fund (LSETF) was established under the Lagos Employment Trust Fund Law 2016, to ensure residents get financial support to tackle unemployment.

    According to her, Governor Ambode decided to build the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to ensure Nigeria is not left behind in technological advancement.

    She added that Yaba ICT Hub is planned to be the platform for the congregation of technology and innovative entrepreneurs, capital, infrastructure and allied services for the germination, acceleration, penetration and adoption of IT and innovation in upscaling business, administrative functionalities and the ease of daily living.

    The governor’s aide said the LSETF is open to young entrepreneurs without any bureaucracy so far such person meets up with the required criteria.

    The programme coordinator, Mr Adetolani Eko, said it is aimed at encouraging young and innovative technology entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Africa at large, as a force to reckon with in the world’s technology market.

    He said it gives stakeholders the opportunity to interact and showcase their products as it features industry influencers, exhibitors and potential investors.

    According to him, the programme would always provide an opportunity for technology entrepreneurs to find investors and mentors for them and their products, provide a platform for start-ups to exhibit their products, create an avenue for start-ups to get funding, provide an avenue for entrepreneurs to interact, help start-ups receive feedback on their products before it hits the market, sensitise youth and recalibrate their thought process and as well motivate and inspire young technology entrepreneur and tech enthusiasts.”

     

  • STI urges young entrepreneurs to embrace insurance

    Young and budding entrepreneurs across the country should make insurance an integral part of their commercial enterprise,  Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc Managing Director, Olaotan Soyinka has said.

    Soyinka made the call at the fifth  Moreklue All Youth Awards, (MAYA) in Lagos.

    MAYA Awards Africa is  held yearly. It was  instituted to honour young Nigerians and other African descents who are doing great exploits in all fields of human endeavour, such as Entertainment, Fashion, Media, Confectionery, Sports, and Music. STI is one of the sponsors of the event.

    While applauding the initiative behind the ceremony, he remarked that the future holds great potentials for the Nigerian Youth both home and abroad.

    He, however, cautioned that conscious effort must be made to channel their energy towards positive initiatives that will propel the nation and the continent to an enviable height.

    He said that insurance should form a very pivotal aspect of whatever business venture any young entrepreneur decides to go into.

    He said: “The adoption of insurance for any business venture is the smartest decision that can ever be taken. He encouraged them to take time and educate themselves on the workings of insurance and how it can help them protect their business at every point in time.

    Managing Director of MAYA Awards Muyiwa Ademola lauded STI for the encouragement and support given to his organisation and called out to all other corporate organisations to take interest in matters that concerns the youth as they will always remain the stars of the future.