HubPharm Africa, a health tech enterprise, led by Sesan Kareem, has emerged the maiden winner of the 2026 Pitchathon organized as part of the The Gathering On 100 event sponsored by MTN Nigeria in Lagos. Coconoto led by Jacob Abiodun came second while Ravasend led Emmanuel Isika was third. The winner got N15m for its efforts, while second and third got N10 and N5m respectively.

There were also consolation prize of N3 million for five other participants. They were URI Social- Precious Zino; Africa Medical Marketplace- Augusta Okafor; Dulces Jam- Oguguah Denzel Ugochukwu; MyFund- Tolulope Ahmed and KindlyBook by Charles Dairo.

The Gathering On 100 was an event of different activities that ran non-stop for 100 hours at the National Stadium, Surulere. At the climax of the five-day immersive youth experience, MTN Nigeria and the gatherers of the event unveiled the defining message of the movement: “Live It 100.”

The event brought together thousands of young Nigerians in a massive convergence of music, sports, gaming, and creative sessions. From watching the sunrise for four consecutive mornings to actively shaping culture in real-time, attendees experienced a shared journey rooted in endurance and expression.

Operating under a partnership model rather than a traditional corporate sponsorship, MTN stepped back to let the youth lead. The techo embraced the primary narrative that “The Gathering is the fire; MTN is the oxygen”.

Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, said: “The energy we have witnessed here in Surulere over the past 100 hours is proof of the unstoppable spirit of the Nigerian youth. Our strategic intent was to position MTN as the critical engine behind this vibrant youth movement, ensuring the brand is seen as an enabler, not an intruder. The Gathering is the fire; MTN is the oxygen. ‘Live It 100’ is our commitment to powering the platform where the conversation happens. We are giving them the autonomy to lead, while we listen.”

A focal point of the event was the high-stakes Pitchathon segment, which provided a structured arena for startups to showcase working products. Also speaking, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, said: “The ideas and partnerships formed over these 100 hours show exactly what happens when corporate Nigeria is finally listening to young Nigerians. We recognise that traditional business engagement doesn’t always work for this generation, which is why we empowered the youth to lead. By supporting The Gathering, we are not just celebrating culture; we are fueling the young Nigerian through youth-led innovation and actively investing in their economic potential.”