MTN Nigeria and NCF Reveal Finalists for PachiPanda Challenge Finale

 

 

MTN Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), has announced the top 10 finalists and the distinguished panel of judges for the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.

The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, part of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge, aims to discover and support groundbreaking solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The call for applications closed with a total of 1,643 submissions from individuals and youth-led SMEs across Nigeria, all eager to showcase their ideas for a more sustainable future. After a rigorous review by the Organising Committee (MTN Nigeria and NCF), the top 100 entries were shortlisted. Following further evaluations, the top 10 finalists were selected to move on to the grand finale in Lagos.

The top 10 finalists, which include 8 individuals and 2 teams across the country, will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas in a 3-day event, which will take place at the MTN Rooftop Event Centre in Lagos from November 4-6, 2024. During this event, the finalists will refine their innovative solutions, engage with mentors, and present their pitches to a panel of esteemed judges.

These judges who are industry experts will evaluate the pitches based on the feasibility, sustainability, and potential impact of each solution, helping to identify the most promising ideas that could transform the Nigerian and African environmental landscapes.

The top 10 finalists stand a chance to win prizes valued at over N6.5 million, while the winner of the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge advances to the Pan-African stage. At the continental level, the champion representing Nigeria will compete against other national winners from South Africa, Zambia and others, for the opportunity to implement their solution on a larger scale and address some of the most urgent environmental issues facing Africa.

The PachiPanda Challenge represents a unique opportunity for young Nigerians to showcase their creativity and make meaningful contributions to environmental sustainability. This initiative aligns with MTN’s broader commitment to driving sustainable development through innovation and collaboration, as part of its Ambition 2025 strategy.

The Top 10 finalists for the Nigerian PachiPanda Challenge are:

• Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel (Ogun State); Plastic Pollution
• Ayomide Ruth Amusan (Lagos State); Plastic Pollution
• Oghenetejiri Ogodo (Lagos State): Circular Economy
• Pascal Chukwuebuka Nwoga (Enugu State): Plastic Pollution
• Michael Benjamin (Benue State): Circular Economy
• Osarode Stephen Odemwingie (Edo State): Community Development
• Fadlullah Idris Bugaje (Abuja, FCT): Circular Economy
• Mwada Emmanuel Wapah (Adamawa State): Climate Change
• Team Sparkwise Initiative (Ebenezer Otito Anyadiegwu, Julius Oluwaleke, Egbeyele Omobonike): Ogun State – Climate Change
• Team Cocotech (Jacob Oluwayanmife Abiodun, Temitope Ayobami Sekoni, Jamiu Olalekan Adetona) Lagos State – Circular Economy