The Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme (YSEC), implemented by NerdzFactory Company and sponsored by the British Council and King’s Trust International, concluded on a high note with a vibrant pitch competition and awards ceremony.
The event celebrated the creativity, innovation and commitment of young entrepreneurs driving sustainable and profitable businesses.
YSEC is designed to empower young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 in Lagos State with critical skills, tools and mentorship to develop and scale their businesses. Over seven rigorous weeks, participants engaged in intensive training and capacity-building sessions, gaining the knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic development.
Following the success of its first edition earlier in 2024, this second edition featured hands-on mentoring from industry experts, focusing on areas such as funding, scaling operations and achieving profitability. The program culminated in a pitch competition, where finalists secured grants to advance their businesses.
At the grand finale, FMJ Handcrafts, led by Femi John and Unique Hybrid Agro Enterprises, founded by Jerry Apeh, were awarded the Most Innovative Business Idea for their groundbreaking solutions. Bata Dara, led by Oyetoro David, and Diadem Educational Service, founded by Adejuyigbe Afolabi, earned recognition for the Most Societally Friendly Business Idea for their impactful initiatives. Jago Farms, headed by Ajopo Emmanuel, and OnIt Innovations Limited, led by Dorcas Obeahon, were celebrated as the Most Profitable Business Idea for their financial viability. Scrap2Style, managed by Oghenetejiri Ogodo, and Eco Haven, directed by Adeola Goodness, received awards for the Most Environmentally Friendly Business Idea for their innovative approaches to sustainability and environmental protection.
Ademulegun Olowojoba, Founding Partner of NerdzFactory Company, represented by Motolani Falabi, Business and Operations Lead, expressed: “The YSEC programme reflects our commitment to equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to excel in today’s business environment.”
Damilola Sotuminu, Country Manager at King’s Trust International, announced plans to expand their youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria. “We aim to grow beyond our current presence in Kano, Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt to reach even more young people,” she stated, praising the innovative ideas presented.
Babajide Sanusi, Regional Senior Marketing Manager, Education, Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, emphasized the importance of practical business knowledge alongside innovation.
One of the winners, Emmanuel Ajopo of Jago Farms, described the program as transformative and revealed plans to establish a factory for cassava by-products pitched during the competition. Similarly, Jerry Apeh of Unique Hybrid Agro Enterprises urged the government to implement policies supporting modern agricultural techniques to address Nigeria’s growing food security needs.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participants and awards to the grant winners, equipping them with resources to scale their businesses and make a lasting impact.
