LEAP Africa Rewards Social Innovators

By Sunday Ehigiator

As part of efforts to support social enterprises, LEAP Africa has rewarded outstanding entrepreneurs.

The entrepreneurs were rewarded recently in Lagos, at an event that was  supported by Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

In his welcome address, the Board Chairman of LEAP Africa, Mr. Udeme Ufot said, “Six years ago, the annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Award by LEAP Africa, was reborn in Lagos, and with the Social Innovators Programme (SIP) and awards.

“It remains one of Nigeria’s indigenous platforms for showcasing and mentoring Nigerian dream makers in social enterprise.

“As you may be aware, LEAP Africa is a Youth-focused organisation imparting skills of leadership, evaluating skills, moral ethics and corruption, and entrepreneurship in them.”

Also, in her remarks on behalf of Union Bank Nigeria, its Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs.  Ogochukwu Ekaidem-Ekezie said: “We are really proud of the SIP initiative. We have been supporting this program for the past four years, and every year that we have been a part of it, I am always inspired whether it’s the mentoring sessions or just sitting with the different participants or innovators whenever we meet.”

The event ended in celebrative moods as awards were given to fellows who had performed distinctly in their endeavours with Otedoye Olumide winning the “Hartigan Price for Social Innovation” award, and Dr. Awuah also picking up an award for his excellent accomplishment with his university in Ghana even within the shortest periods.

It likewise was a once in a lifetime experience for some of the entrepreneurs who had a chat with THISDAY during the event, as Olumide Fasuyi said: “I am really overwhelmed by all what I have learnt here today. I am surely leaving here as a different person from whom I was few hours ago before entering here.”