Eight young entrepreneurs have received seed grants and mentorship opportunities after emerging winners at the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Grand Finale held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The initiative, organised by the British Council in partnership with King’s Trust International (KTI) and NerdzFactory Company, forms part of the Youth Connect Global programme aimed at equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills, employability, and active citizenship.
The winners were recognised across four categories. In the Most Innovative Business Idea category, Mercy Enudi of Mercy Green Briquettes and Ifeoluwa Garba of Standing Tree Papers took the top spots. Olanrewaju Elizabeth of PraiseDomCollection and Paul Oluwafunke of Mide Errands were honoured for running the Most Societally Friendly Businesses. The Most Profitable Business category went to Boluwatife Ogundimu of Tife’s and Deborah Johnson of HCS Natural Fruit Drinks. Meanwhile, Adebayo Olumentiola of Mentees Adire and Oniyide Kamaldeen of D_legend Farms emerged winners in the Most Environmentally Friendly Business category.
The competition reflects growing support for youth-led enterprises in Nigeria, where access to funding and mentorship remains one of the biggest barriers to scaling innovative ideas. By combining financial backing with capacity building, the organisers say they are fostering not only business sustainability but also social impact and environmental responsibility.
Analysts note that initiatives such as the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge are crucial for unlocking Africa’s demographic dividend, as they empower young people to become job creators rather than job seekers. For the winners, the grants and mentorship provide a launchpad to strengthen their business models, expand markets, and contribute to economic growth within their communities.
