Ibadan Fashion Designer Wins N1m Nairametrics Pitch Prize

 Sunday Ehigiator

The Founder and Creative Director of May Couture, Mrs. Temitayo Oluyege, has emerged the winner of the maiden edition of the Nairametrics Pitch Competition.

Oluyege, a designer with specialties in different kinds of wears, including corporate, casual and bridal wear, with a touch of indigenous materials, was awarded the sum of N1 million at the grand finale of the competition held in Lagos yesterday.

Speaking on the significance of the competition, the General Manager of Nairametrics, Mr. Chris Pemu, said the competition was designed to hunt startups with brilliant business ideas struggling for capital.

He added that it’s a way for the organisation to practice what it preaches.

Pemu said: “One of the key things we propagate here to encourage startups. We are practising what we preach. We, along with some partners, came together and discovered a lot of startups out there, and we are giving them some level of exposure and financial reward. It might not take them so far but at least a start from somewhere.

“Some of the criteria we considered are to have social media exposure, and physically how you can operationalise your idea. We want to thank our co-sponsors and we will be looking forward to a more elaborate competition in 2024.”

While encouraging other young Nigerians, one of the co-sponsors companies, Shekel Mobility, represented by its Co-Founder of Shekel Mobility, Mr. Sanmi Olukanmi, who also doubles as one of the judges, hailed Nairametrics for supporting startups.

He said: “We are supporting this event because Nairametrics has been writing so well on startups and they have the reach. To assist young Nigerians with great ideas, Nairametrics looks like the right partner.

“When we started the whole idea, I expected Nairametrics to do a great job, and I was not disappointed. We had some amazing pitches with laudable ideas. If this is the beginning, I can imagine what the next edition will look like.

“I want to advise young Nigerians out there to keep up with their vision and game, and the sky is their limit.”

In reciprocation, the winner, Oluyege, appreciated the organisers of the event and promised mentorship to other young Nigerians hunting opportunities.

“I didn’t see the win coming. When I applied on Instagram, I thought it was just about the application and never thought there was going to be a pitch. I wasn’t ready. When I saw so many beautiful pitches today, I wasn’t sure I was going to win.

“I’m grateful to the organisers and sponsors. I appreciate you all for recognising young entrepreneurs like me,” she stated.