The British Council and Prince’s Trust International (PTI) have awarded N2 million to the top eight contestants for the Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme (TSECP).
 

The programme implemented by Nerdzfactory, which started with 60 participants on February 5, 2024, ended yesterday in Lagos, producing 16 finalists and eight winners, each receiving N250,000.
 
Among the winners in Cohort I were Blue Sands Stem Labs for Most Innovative Business Idea; Mee Best Foods for Most Societally Friendly Business Idea; Hems to Fit for Most Profitable Business Idea and Ecodey Management Resources for Most Environmentally Friendly Business Idea.
 
In Cohort II, winners included Eco Feet for Most Innovative Business Idea; Suss Flow for Most Societally Friendly Business Idea; Cattle Technology for Most Profitable Business Idea and Buy Scrap Nigeria for Most Environmentally Friendly Business Idea.
 
British Council Country Director, Lucy Pearson said the programme was targeted at providing young people the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed as entrepreneurs or be employable.
 
Pearson noted that the aim was to create positive pathways for young people in their communities and to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.
 
She, therefore, urged the participants to use the newly acquired skills and network to explore opportunities for themselves and create positive pathways in their communities and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
 
Director of Programmes, Nigeria, Chikodi Onyemerela, emphasised that the British Council has always focused on creating opportunities for young people in the country.  
 
“This is a pilot; the purpose of piloting is to cook up concepts. We are piloting it in the range of Enugu and Kano. The closure event is happening in Lagos today,” he stated.
 
Founding Partner of Nerdzfactory Company, Ade Olowojoba, who was represented by Matthew Ozigbo, expressed enthusiasm about the programme and the impactful partnership the organisation has with The British Council and PTI.
 
He said the goal of the programme is to significantly impact youth entrepreneurship, job creation and skill development, empowering individuals aged 18-35 to thrive as business leaders and build sustainable ventures.
 
He said: “Through a multi-faceted approach, TSEC delivered a transformative experience. From the initial taster day experience which sparked curiosity, to in-depth training on skill development, mentorship and business ideation, the programme provided a well-rounded foundation. Collaborative projects, pop-up simulations and dedicated pitch workshops equipped participants for the real world of business. The mentorship component of the programme afforded participants the opportunity to learn from the invaluable experience and insights of mentors, who have started and managed successful ventures.
 
“Witnessing the growth of participants over the course of the programme has been incredibly rewarding,” he stated. 
 
The programme supervisor, Omozele Umoren, stated that the programme utilised a variety of engaging and learning methods including interactive workshops, breakout sessions activities, mentorship sessions and group discussions that were relevant to their entrepreneur journey.
 
She added: “The participants during the course of the four weeks were equipped with digital marketing skills and relevant technological skills that will help them enhance and grow their businesses.”