Onome Amuge
The British Council and Prince’s Trust International (PTI) have awarded eight Nigerian entrepreneurs a total of N2 million, as part of the Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme (TSECP).
The programme, which kicked off with 60 participants aged between 18 and 35 years, came to an exciting conclusion on March 15, 2024, at the Zone Tech Park in Gbagada, Lagos, where 16 finalists presented their business ideas to a panel of five judges. After a rigorous selection process, eight winners were chosen, each of whom received N250,000 to help them turn their ideas into reality.
The winners of the challenge were split into two groups. The first group included Most Innovative Business Idea: Blue Sands Stem Labs, by Alero Thompson; Most Societally Friendly Business Idea: Mee Best Foods, by Zenani Gbadume; Most Profitable Business Idea: Helms to Fit, by Oluwatosin Rotimi; and Most Environmentally Friendly Business Idea: Ecodey Management Resources, by Mansueah Shobulo.
The winners in the second group included Most Innovative Business Idea: Eco Feet, by Olabisi Emmanuel; Most Societally Friendly Business Idea: Suss Flow, by Olabisi Emmanuel; Most Profitable Business Idea: Cattle Technology, by Emmanuel Nnamdi; and Most Environmentally Friendly Business Idea: Buy Scrap Nigeria, by Steven Etukudo.
Lucy Pearson, British Council country director, who was in attendance at the final event, described the entrepreneurship challenge as a testament to the British Council’s commitment and belief in the potential of young people in Nigeria. Pearson reassured the audience that the British Council would continue to invest in opportunities for young people to develop their talents.
Pearson also commended Nerdz Factory, the implementing partner in Lagos, for its hard work and dedication to the project. She noted that the company played a key role in identifying and training the 60 young people who participated in the challenge, and that its commitment and expertise were instrumental in the project’s success.
“At British Council, our vision of a more peaceful and prosperous world built on trust can only be achieved when young people are provided with the right skills and network to make informed choices and be provided with a clear career pathway that is why we are involved in this project,’’ the country director stated.
Ade Olowojoba, the founding partner of Nerdzfactory, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with The British Council and PTI on the entrepreneurship empowerment project. He highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful and lasting change, and said that the collaboration has been a powerful force for promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in Lagos. Matthew Ozigbo, who represented Olowojoba at the event, echoed his sentiments and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the programme.
Omozele Umoren, the programme supervisor, explained that the programme used a variety of engaging and interactive methods to help participants develop their business skills and knowledge.Umoren also highlighted the importance of mentorship, which played a key role in helping participants navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.
The four-week programme included a range of activities to support and develop the participants’ skills and knowledge. These included sessions on business ideation and development, mentoring and coaching from industry experts, and opportunities to develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, and team-working.
The organisers explained that the initiative was designed to provide participants with the resources and support they need to succeed in business. They said that the focus on sustainable enterprise reflects a commitment to responsible and ethical business practices, while also promoting innovation and creativity. In addition, the organisers highlighted the collaborative nature of the programme, with partners from both the public and private sectors working together to support the development of young business leaders in Lagos.
Olabisis Emmanuel, founder of Suss Flow and one of the winners of the N250,000 grant, described the programme as an empowering experience that allowed her to connect with other young entrepreneurs.
“Everyone is so hungry for knowledge and determined to excel. The energy in the room is always inspiring,” she said.
