A final-year Law student from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has emerged as the winner of the 2025 Innovate Conference with an eco-friendly business that transforms plastic waste into mosquito-repellent paint. Daniel Chukwueloka Monyei claimed the $2,000 grant prize at the “Innovate Pitch & Grant” competition for his startup, P2P (Plastic 2 Paint), which stood out among five finalists at the event held on April 26.
The Innovate Pitch & Grant program, powered by Crosspoint Church, is designed to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs by providing them with mentorship, exposure, and funding for their ideas. This year’s finalists included Anesi Lifestyle, Mercysweet Foods, Softway Finance, Suftly, and Monyei’s P2P, which eventually took the top prize.
Monyei’s business model tackles two major challenges in Nigeria, plastic pollution and access to affordable paint. P2P collects plastic waste through a community-led system, then processes it into affordable paint with a glossy finish and mosquito-repellent properties that remain active for up to six months. The innovation offers a dual benefit: environmental sustainability and public health protection.
So far, P2P has recycled more than 250 tonnes of plastic waste, helping to prevent over 190 tonnes of CO2 emissions. With this new funding, the team projects it could process up to 500,000 tonnes of plastic as it scales up operations across Nigeria.
A core aspect of the startup’s success lies in its community-focused approach. P2P partners with 35 women and the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) to gather plastic waste while also educating residents about environmental conservation. The company has also trained 14 at-risk youth in painting, many of whom are now employed as professionals.
Speaking after receiving the award, Monyei said, “For every liter of paint purchased, you’re saving the world. This grant will allow us to scale and reach more communities.”
Backing the initiative, the convener of the Innovate Conference and Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Church, highlighted the importance of supporting youth-led innovation in Nigeria. He said that bridging the gap between young people’s potential and economic opportunities was critical to solving unemployment and driving national growth.
Keynote speaker and tech investor Kola Aina called on governments, businesses, and philanthropists to actively support youth innovations like P2P, describing them as the future of Nigeria’s economy.
The leadership team behind P2P includes Abdulfattah Omisanya (Chief Marketing Officer), Idakwo Ramatu (Chief Operating Officer), and Abdulmalik Yahya (Chief Technology Officer), bringing together diverse expertise to drive the venture’s mission forward.
The Innovate Conference continues to grow as a platform that connects young innovators with investors and business leaders, helping to shape a more sustainable and opportunity-rich future for Nigeria.
