MTN Nigeria, NCF crown PachiPanda environmental challenge winners
Joy Agwunobi
MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has announced the winners of the inaugural Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, an initiative focused on nurturing youth-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that address key environmental challenges and support sustainable development.
This challenge, part of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge led by MTN Global and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), aims to inspire and support innovative solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing environmental issues.
The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge not only seeks to empower young Nigerians with the tools and support needed to address pressing environmental issues but also to instil a culture of sustainability and forward-thinking innovation.
According to the organisers, the initiative aspires to shape a greener, more resilient future, where young leaders are equipped to make lasting contributions to Nigeria’s sustainable development and set an inspiring example for the continent.
The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge drew 1,643 entries across four major categories: Plastic Pollution, Climate Change, Circular Economy, and Community Development. After a meticulous evaluation process, the entries were narrowed to the top 100, followed by another round of rigorous assessments to select the top 10 finalists.
These finalists presented their projects at a pitch event held at the MTN Rooftop Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos, where a live audience and a panel of judges observed each project’s potential impact.
Osarode Odemwingie emerged as the top winner of this year’s Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, impressing the judges with his innovative project, which repurposes fruit waste and chicken feathers typically considered waste into nutrient-rich products named “Organo-brine” and “Organo-sludge” for use in mushroom farming.
Locally, his solution diverts organic waste from harmful disposal methods, reduces environmental impact, and creates employment opportunities in mushroom cultivation for young people. His project also has national and global implications, contributing to sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security by providing an environmentally friendly method for waste management and nutrient cycling.
As the challenge winner, Odemwingie received a cash prize of N3 million and will represent Nigeria at the upcoming Africa-wide PachiPanda finals in Johannesburg, South Africa. Olabisi Emmanuel and the Sparkwise Initiative Team took second and third place, receiving N2 million and N1.5 million, respectively, with total prize awards reaching N6.5 million.
In recognition of the creativity and commitment demonstrated by all participants, Joseph Onoja, NCF Director General, expressed his admiration for the young innovators, urging more Nigerian youth to contribute to environmental sustainability.
“ initiatives like the PachiPanda Challenge highlight the immense potential of our youth to drive meaningful change. We are proud to witness the passion and ingenuity displayed by these young conservationists,” Onoja noted.
Adekemi Adisa, general manager of sustainability and shared value at MTN Nigeria, emphasised the company’s dedication to environmental advocacy and promoting eco-consciousness among Nigerian youth.
“Investing in environmental education and awareness today is a key to securing a sustainable future. We extend our congratulations to Osarode and all participants who contributed to the PachiPanda Challenge,” Adisa stated.