ALX Nigeria Partners 9mobile to Reward Young Innovators

Tech accelerator, ALX Nigeria and telecoms company, 9mobile yesterday celebrated young digital innovators at the first edition of the Pitch-Your-Business Competition held at the ALX Costain Hub, Lagos.

The event which was organised to encourage youths to embrace technology starred nine final contestants drawn from current learners at the different ALX programmes and hubs.

In her welcome address, Head of Public Relations, 9mobile, Chineze Amanfo, expressed her gratitude to ALX Nigeria for consistently equipping young Nigerians with world-class tech skills that prepare them for job employment and entrepreneurship in the technology landscape. 

She emphasised that 9Mobile remains Nigeria’s most innovative and tech-driven telecommunications company committed to promoting ideas that boost the nation’s creative economy.

While lauding the young innovators at the event, she said: “Nigeria, and Africa at large needs creative solutions to her many-sided problems. This competition is not just about winning but primarily about your brilliant ideas. The ideas you come up with can revolutionise the industries you find yourself in the future. All of you are winners in my eyes. Give it your hundred percent. I wish you all the best.”

Apart from the different pitch presentations by the participants, a feature at the event was a fireside chat during which the Judges gave short inspiring speeches as feedback to the different innovators. The 4-man panel explained that the contestants had been evaluated using global enterprise metrics and criteria such as executive summary, competitive advantage, value proposition, financials, and overall presentation.

The contestants and their business names are Patrick Asuama (Mechanic Africa), Abayomi Odole (Topical Test Limited), Ani Aloysius (Bellator Imperium Mech Tech Services), Odunayo Oladimeji (CancerCompass and Med Crescent), Oluwatosin Mogbadunade (PlannedPath Consults), David Oladele (VeldtsDigital Technologies), Oniya Olaiya Joseph (TAG-ALONG LTD), Judith Ekwunife (Marvel Personality) and Olanike Ogundiran (Seamailer).

Amidst sizzling music and lots of fun, results were collated, and it was time to announce the winners of the pitch presentation. 

Among the nine participants, Judith Ekwunife of Marvel Personality was declared the winner of the competition. She was awarded the sum of five hundred thousand Naira. Another female innovator, Oluwatosin Mogbadunade of PlannedPath Consults emerged as first runner-up carting away the sum of Three hundred thousand Naira while Odunayo Oladimeji with the business name, CancerCompass went home with Two hundred thousand Naira after securing the third place.

While thanking the panel of judges and attendees, Seun Babajide-Duroshola, ALX Country Growth Marketing Manager, stated that the Tinubu-led government is partnering with the private sector to create more digital tools for the youths. She urged participants to leverage these opportunities to better their lives. Further she pledged ALX’s commitment and continued support to these young innovators and the larger learner community.