Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its support for local businesses under its Made-In-Naija initiative by sponsoring the RISE Business Challenge, which took place during the sixth edition of the annual leadership conference at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
Themed “Turning Point 6.0”, the RISE Challenge, an acronym for Resilience, Innovation, Social Responsibility, and Entrepreneurship was held in collaboration with the event’s convener to strengthen youth-led enterprises with both financial backing and mentorship. The initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with the entrepreneurial skills needed to develop homegrown solutions that drive economic growth and social impact.
Union Bank’s involvement reflects its broader commitment to empowering local innovation and nurturing the next generation of business leaders. The competition was structured to highlight viable and sustainable business ideas with clear potential for social impact. Participants first submitted business proposals, which were reviewed by a panel of experts. The top four finalists then pitched their concepts directly to a panel of judges.
Winners were selected based on criteria such as innovation, sustainability, and financial feasibility. The top three received cash prizes of one million naira, seven hundred and fifty thousand naira, and two hundred and fifty thousand naira respectively.
Speaking at the event, the bank’s Head of SME, Ayokunumi Abraham, stated that supporting Made-In-Naija and youth-led ventures is key to driving employment, innovation, and wider access to economic opportunities. He noted that Union Bank is committed to helping small and medium-sized enterprises grow and thrive across Nigeria.
