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By Moses Akaigwe
In an impressive celebration of creativity, talent and possibility, the Mikano Changan Creators’ Challenge – an initiative championed by Mikano Motors – came to an exciting end on Thursday with winners taking home various rewards, including the grand prize of a Changan CS35 SUV.
At the grand finale hosted at the Mikano Motors’ immersive showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos, Mikano Motors, which is Nigeria’s fastest growing auto company, was applauded for taking the commendable step to recognise, support and invest in Nigeria’s burgeoning community of digital creators.
The event brought together Mikano executives, creators, industry leaders, media professionals and notable personalities for a moment that went beyond competition.
It was a gathering that reflected a shared belief: that creativity deserves recognition, support and real opportunity.
The challenge was designed with a clear intention to create a platform where young creatives are seen, heard and rewarded for their originality, effort and storytelling. Creators were tasked with showcasing their creativity and ideas around Mikano Changan cars.
Across weeks of participation, they expressed their voices, perspectives and ideas, turning everyday creativity into meaningful expression.
After a series of intense selection of winners, the contestants were shortlisted and the winner was chosen by a panel of notable judges, which included Bovi Ugboma, Doris Ogah, Chioma Ude, Joelle Haykal, represented by Syam Abdul Kadir, and Oluseyi Asurf Amuwa, whose experience and perspective helped shape a fair and thoughtful selection process.
The exercise hit a climax when Chibundu Victor Chisom emerged the overall winner and was awarded the grand prize of a brand new Mikano Changan CS35 car, marking not just a win but also a recognition of his creative journey.
The vehicle also comes with a six-year warranty and nationwide after-sales support, reflecting long-term value and reliability. One thing stood clear: creativity was at its peak.
In Mikano and Changan’s commitment to the creative economy, the first runner-up, Princess Tony Jessica Omusuku, received a cash reward of ₦3million, while the second runner-up, Oluwamayowa Philip, received a cash reward of ₦ 1.5million.
In addition, the remaining top finalists were each awarded ₦500,000 in recognition of their dedication, consistency, and creative excellence throughout the challenge.
The event also featured a panel session with respected voices in the creative and media space, who shared insights on the importance of nurturing creativity, the evolving landscape of digital expression, and the role of platforms that create real opportunities for emerging talent.
The conversation reinforced a shared understanding that creativity thrives when it is supported, encouraged, and given room to grow. The occasion was further enriched by the presence of notable personalities from the entertainment and film industry, including Jemima Osunde, KieKie, Rita Dominic, and Patrick the Bassist, a former winner of a previous challenge, alongside the 19 shortlisted creators.
Their presence reflected a community that continues to grow through collaboration, shared experiences, and mutual support.
Speaking at the event, Syam Abdul Kadir, National Head of Operations Mikano Motors, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to empowering the creative ecosystem, emphasizing its belief in the value of creativity as a driving force for growth, expression, and opportunity.
He noted that the main aim of the initiative is to support creators in their creative journey and enable them to grow exponentially.
The Mikano Changan Creators Challenge stands as one of the ways Mikano continues to contribute meaningfully to society by investing in people, supporting talent, and creating opportunities where creativity can thrive.
More than a competition, the Mikano Changan Creators Challenge represents a commitment to giving back building pathways, opening doors, and recognizing the individuals who are shaping the future through their creativity.
Speaking on the recognition, the winner, Chibundu Victor Chisom, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity, describing the moment as a meaningful recognition of their creativity and a reminder that when given the right platform, creativity can truly open doors.
He further expressed that Mikano’s support for content creators played a significant role in creating opportunities like this and encouraged other creators to stay consistent and continue pursuing their creative journey. As the winners celebrate this moment, the broader message remains clear: when creativity is supported, it grows, and when it grows, it transforms lives, communities, and possibilities.
For Mikano Motors, this initiative is not an endpoint, but a continuing journey of supporting creativity and the creative industry.
