The grand finale of the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme (YSEC) brought a celebratory close to its second edition, unveiling eight exceptional winners who are set to reshape Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Organized by NerdzFactory Company in collaboration with the British Council and King’s Trust International (KTI), the event showcased young innovators brimming with ideas that marry creativity with societal impact.
Held in Lagos, the event underscored the programme’s mission to empower young entrepreneurs with the tools, skills, and mentorship needed to transform their business dreams into reality. Following a rigorous selection process, 16 finalists emerged from a competitive pool of participants who embarked on their YSEC journey in November 2024. Over several months, these aspiring business leaders honed their skills under the guidance of experienced mentors, who provided invaluable insights on securing funding, scaling operations, and implementing effective financial strategies.
The winners were recognized in four categories, each receiving a ₦300,000 cash prize to propel their ventures forward. Jerry Apeh, founder of Unique Hybrid Agro Enterprises, and Femi John of FMJ Handcrafts were awarded for their Most Innovative Business Ideas. Apeh’s venture focuses on sustainable food production using unconventional methods such as growing crops in alternative mediums like rice husks and cocoa pits. Apeh remarked, “Our practices address the inefficiencies of traditional farming methods, ensuring we can sustainably feed Nigeria’s growing population of over 200 million people.”
Similarly, FMJ Handcrafts impressed the judges with its unique handcrafted products, blending creativity with utility to meet modern demands. Both winners underscored the importance of innovation in addressing current economic and environmental challenges.
In the Most Societal Business Ideas category, Bàtà Dara, helmed by Oyetoro Darasimi, and Diadem Educational Service, led by Adejuyigbe Afolabi, stood out for their commitment to social impact. Darasimi’s business celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through bespoke footwear designs, while Afolabi’s enterprise offers tailored educational services to bridge learning gaps in underserved communities. Both ventures demonstrated a deep understanding of societal needs, showcasing scalable solutions to pressing issues.
The Most Profitable Business Ideas category highlighted the success of Dorcas Obeahan’s Onit Innovations Limited and Emmanuel Ajopo’s Jago Farms. Ajopo’s pitch for Jago Garri, a cassava-based product, struck a chord with the judges due to its potential to drive local job creation and economic growth. “Winning this prize is a game-changer,” Ajopo shared. “We’ll establish a factory and scale operations, creating jobs and contributing to Nigeria’s economy over the next three years.”
For Obeahan, the recognition affirmed her innovative approach to profitability without compromising quality. “This prize will allow us to expand and serve our customers better while maintaining high standards,” she said.
Environmental sustainability took center stage in the Most Environmentally Friendly Business Ideas category, where Adeola Ogunkoya’s Eco Haven and Oghenetegiri Ogodo’s Scrap2style claimed top honours. Ogunkoya, an advocate for recycling and sustainability, repurposes waste materials like used tires into durable, eco-friendly home aesthetics.
“At Eco Haven, we’re not just creating products, we’re saving lives, animals, and the environment,” she explained. “This training has been invaluable; it’s knowledge I couldn’t buy elsewhere.”
Ogodo’s Scrap2style transforms scrap materials into stylish and functional designs, proving that waste can be a resource. Both entrepreneurs exemplify how environmentally conscious businesses can drive meaningful change while remaining economically viable.
The event opened with an address from Ade Olowojoba, Founding Partner of NerdzFactory Company, who emphasized the programme’s commitment to equipping young entrepreneurs with practical business skills. Reflecting on his own entrepreneurial journey, which began with just ₦25,000 (approximately $100) in 2017, Olowojoba encouraged the finalists to persist in their ambitions. “This program embodies our shared vision of creating opportunities for young innovators to thrive in today’s competitive business world,” he said.
The significance of mentorship in the YSEC program was a recurring theme throughout the event. Babajide Sanusi, Regional Senior Marketing Manager, Education, Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, stressed the need for practical knowledge alongside innovative ideas. “Having a good idea is a start, but it’s not enough,” he said. “Young entrepreneurs must learn how to manage teams, cash flow, and the separation of personal and business income.”
Damilola Sotuminu, Country Manager for King’s Trust International, highlighted the program’s role in structuring entrepreneurial ideas into scalable businesses. “Our youth are brimming with creative ideas, but they often lack the tools to transform these ideas into impactful ventures,” she noted. “This program fills that gap by equipping participants with the skills they need to succeed.”
For the finalists, the YSEC program was more than a competition, it was a transformative learning experience.
Adeola Ogunkoya described the training as life-changing, saying, “The knowledge I gained here cannot be quantified. It has opened my eyes to new possibilities and strategies for growing my business.”
Mentor and judge Dr. Anthony Nwosu echoed these sentiments, praising the finalists for their innovative pitches. “The competition was highly contested, and every proposal was impressive,” he said. “Programs like YSEC motivate young people to pursue entrepreneurship, which is the backbone of any thriving economy.”
As the inaugural edition concluded, the organizers expressed their intent to expand YSEC’s reach. Sotuminu revealed plans to replicate the program in more states, including Kano, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, and increase the number of participants. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “We aim to support more young people and foster a culture of innovation across Nigeria.”
The Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme has set a high benchmark for youth empowerment initiatives, proving that with the right support, Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs can lead the charge toward a sustainable, prosperous future. Through their innovative solutions, the YSEC winners have demonstrated that the fusion of creativity, mentorship, and hard work can drive transformative change in society and the economy.