The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in partnership with MTN Nigeria, has announced Osarode Odemwingie as the winner of the inaugural Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, a programme aimed at incubating youth-led Small and Midsize Enterprises (SMEs) to tackle current environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

The challenge is part of the Africa PachiPanda challenge, a joint initiative of MTN Global and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which was launched to inspire and support innovative solutions addressing pressing environmental challenges across the African continent.

The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge received 1,643 entries across the four focus areas: Plastic Pollution, Climate Change, Circular Economy, and Community Development. The top 100 emerged after a thorough assessment and evaluation of all the entries received. Another rigorous assessment of the top 100 entries produced the top ten finalists. The finalists made their presentations to the judges and the teaming audience at the pitch presentation event in Lagos.

Odemwingie emerged the winner after impressing the judges with his creativity, commitment to sustainable practices, and passion for environmental protection. His project, which involved the collection and reuse of fruit waste and chicken feathers for mushroom production, exemplified the ideals of the PachiPanda Challenge and set a powerful example for his peers.

The award ceremony, held in Lagos saw dignitaries from NCF and MTN Nigeria, the judges, and other environmental enthusiasts, celebrating Odemwingie’s achievement. Speaking at the event, NCF Director General, Dr Joseph Onoja, commended the participants for their creative and innovative ideas aimed at tackling environmental challenges and urged more young Nigerians to join the movement for a greener future.

“Initiatives like the PachiPanda Challenge demonstrate the incredible potential of our youth to create meaningful change. We are thrilled to witness the passion and innovation displayed by our young conservationists,” he said.

MTN Nigeria, the event’s principal sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting environmental causes and fostering eco-conscious values among Nigeria’s youth. “We believe that investing in environmental education and awareness today secures a sustainable tomorrow.

“We congratulate all the participants who took part in the PachiPanda Challenge,” remarked MTN Nigeria’s representative, and General Manager, Sustainability & Shared Values, Mrs Adekemi Adisa.

There were three winners with a total prize of N6.5 million. Odemwingie received a cash award of N3 million, while Olabisi Emmanuel came second and received a cash award of N2 million, and Sparkwise Initiative Team received a cash prize of N1.5 million for the third position. Their efforts and accomplishments stand as a testament to the impact that dedicated young individuals can have on the future of Nigeria’s environment.