The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in partnership with MTN Nigeria, has announced the three winners of the inaugural Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, a programme aimed at incubating youth-led SMEs that tackle current environmental challenges and promote sustainability.
Osarode Stephen Odemwingie emerged the winner of the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, walking away with a cash award of N3 million after impressing the judges with his creativity, commitment to sustainable practices, and passion for environmental protection.
His project, which involves the collection and reuse of fruit waste and chicken feathers for mushroom production, exemplified the ideals of the PachiPanda Challenge and set a powerful example for his peers.
Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel came second and received a cash award of N2m while the Sparkwise Initiative Team received a cash prize of N1.5m for the third position.
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The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge received 1,643 entries across the 4 focus areas: Plastic Pollution, Climate Change, Circular Economy, and Community Development.
The top 100 emerged after thorough assessment and evaluation of all the entries received. Another rigorous assessment of the top 100 entries produced the top 10 finalists.
The top 10 finalists made their presentations to the judges and the teaming audience at the pitch presentation event that took place at the MTN Roof Top Event Centre in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Director General, NCF, Dr. Joseph Onoja, commended the participants for their creative and innovative ideas aimed at tackling environmental challenges and urged more young Nigerians to join the movement for a greener future.
He said, “Initiatives like the PachiPanda Challenge demonstrate the incredible potential of our youth to create meaningful change. We are thrilled to witness the passion and innovation displayed by our young conservationists.”
MTN Nigeria, the event’s principal sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting environmental causes and fostering eco-conscious values among Nigeria’s youth.
General Manager, Sustainability & Shared Values, MTN Nigeria, Adekemi Adisa, in her remarks said, “We believe that investing in environmental education and awareness today secures a sustainable tomorrow. We congratulate Osarode and all the participants who took part in the PachiPanda Challenge.”
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