Eight young entrepreneurs have secured seed grants and mentorship after emerging winners at the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Grand Finale in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The programme, organised by the British Council in partnership with King's Trust International (KTI) and NerdzFactory Company, is part of the Youth Connect Global initiative designed to equip youths with entrepreneurial skills, employability, and active citizenship.
The winners cut across four categories: Most Innovative Business Idea – Mercy Enudi (Mercy Green Briquettes) and Ifeoluwa Garba (Standing Tree Papers); Most Societally Friendly Business – Olanrewaju Elizabeth (PraiseDomCollection) and Paul Oluwafunke (Mide Errands); Most Profitable Business – Boluwatife Ogundimu (Tife's) and Deborah Johnson (HCS Natural Fruit Drinks); and Most Environmentally Friendly Business – Adebayo Olumentiola (Mentees Adire) and Oniyide Kamaldeen (D_legend Farms).
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SMEDAN Ogun State Team Lead, Mr. Awoliyi Biodun, alongside business leaders and development partners, graced the event, affirming support for SMEs as engines of innovation and job creation.
Programme Director, Ade Olowojoba, described the challenge as "a celebration of courage, creativity, and vision," stressing that with the right backing, young Nigerians can transform their communities through sustainable enterprises.
Since inception, the challenge has trained over 130 entrepreneurs and produced multiple grant winners across Lagos and other states, with ongoing cycles in Imo, Jigawa, Abuja, and Rivers.
