Ukpabi Wins Channels TV ‘Fund it Forward’ Season 2, walks home with N30million fund grant

Chioma Ukpabi, founder of SUWK, an edtech venture offering vocational training to tackle youth unemployment and improve skill-based job placements has emerged the winner of fiercely contested business reality show, Fund It Forward Season 2, a unique funding platform that combines entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community development by Channels Television.

The 28 years old Abia State native defeated three other top finalist to emerge winner of the show after seven weeks of rigorous challenges, transformative learning, and inspiring breakthroughs, following her display of passion, purpose, and profit ignited by fire for innovation and social responsibility. She won the grand prize of N30million seed grant.

With the judges comprising of Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Lanre Bamisebi, Akinwande Akinsulire, Diana Amabelle Nwakanma and Debola Deji-Kurunmi, this edition of the business reality show left an indelible mark on the lives of contestants, investors, and communities alike, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to redefine the boundaries of business and impact.

It showcased the bold resilience and innovative prowess of 12 dynamic entrepreneurs striving to redefine Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. For the contestants, it was more than just a competition – a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation.

From sustainable agriculture to cutting-edge technology, they defied the odds to remain in the running. Each of the top four finalists brought their unique passion, purpose, and profit-driven ideas to the table, showcasing the diversity and richness of entrepreneurial talent in Nigeria.

The other three top finalist cum change agents include Favour Adeleke, 22 years old from Lagos State and Chief Executive Officer of Qiqi Farms, which uses blockchain to connect farmers with markets, aiming for a zero-waste agricultural ecosystem.

Israel Kehinde, 24 years old, also from Lagos, and founder of innovative eReading device tackling Africa’s textbook crisis, aspiring to deliver affordable education access continent-wide, and 25 years old Amidu Mohammed from Niger State, the Creator of EcoFeet Pro, an eco-friendly footwear with health-tracking, repurposing scrap materials for sustainability.

Speaking on this season’s goal, the Executive Producer, Zemmy Momoh said: “One of the major goals of ‘Fund It Forward’ is that our viewers are inspired by our wonderful change agents on the one hand, and empowered through the tasks, masterclass gems, consultant wisdom and expert judge critiques on the other hand, so that they too catch the social entrepreneurship bug.”

“Over the last seven weeks, the change agents have surmounted challenging tasks from Enterprise Pitch, to Supply Side Validation to Product Improvement and Branding,” Momoh added.

Aboyeji is a pioneering Nigerian entrepreneur whose work has shaped Africa’s tech landscape. A co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave, he helped redefine global tech and payments, earning a spot among New African magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Africans. Now leading Future Africa, Aboyeji invests in mission-driven innovators across the continent.

A seasoned Information Technology executive with over 20 years of experience across sectors, including fintech, telecoms, and consulting, Bamisebi is known for his expertise in digital transformation. Currently the Executive Director of IT and Digitalization at Access Holdings, he has managed IT operations in 22 African countries, and continues to drive innovation across Africa’s tech landscape.

Akinsulire is the founder of the Graduate Cohort, a pro bono coaching program equipped to help young graduates succeed in the corporate world. He possesses an extensive Pan-African presence spanning 22 countries and over 20 years of information technology and finance experience, and has served in various advisory roles for Mastercard Technology and the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

As the current Executive Director for IT and Digitization at Access Holdings Plc, Akinsulire continues to offer extensive FinTech consulting services to African Finance Institutions.

Nwakanma is an international development expert and social change agent with over 15 years of experience. As the Director of Programmes at LEAP Africa, she oversees initiatives that promote leadership, gender equity, and digital transformation.

With a proven track record across NGOs and governmental organisations, Nwakanma focuses on empowering vulnerable groups. She has consulted for programs nationally and internationally on projects funded by various donors including USAID and the EU. Her advocacy work influences global discourse on sustainable development.

Gifted with the ability to unlock the potential in people, institutions and nations, Deji-Kurunmi heads a strong community of over 100,000 change makers and visionary leaders. A transformational coach, consultant and capacity builder, she is also the CEO of IMMERSE Coaching Company, Executive Director at Ideation Hub Africa, and the Founder of Future-Forward Female Movement.

A Channels TV original, Fund It Forward combines business reality with social purpose, nurturing innovators dedicated to making an impact in their communities. The grand finale which aired on Channels TV was more than just tension and triumph, it was a night for inspiration, celebration, and a collective reminder of the boundless possibilities of entrepreneurship.