Talent hunt: SMEDAN, banks award N5m to young Nigerian innovators
Agency Report
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), in partnership with Microvis Microfinance Bank and Baobab Microfinance Bank, awarded a total of N5 million to three outstanding young Nigerian innovators at the SMEDAN Talent Hunt.
The competition, which focused on groundbreaking solutions to reduce post-harvest losses in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, saw brilliant young minds from across the country pitch their inventive ideas to a panel of industry experts and stakeholders.
Emerging as the overall winner and walking away with a grand prize of N2 million was a young entrepreneur whose innovation promises significant impact on food preservation and waste reduction.
The first runner-up received N1.5 million, while the second runner-up was awarded N1 million for their equally impactful inventions.
The Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii highlighted the Agency’s dedication to creating platforms that harness the creative energies of Nigerian youth.
“Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of our innovative youth. With the right support, their ideas can solve national problems and create jobs,” he said.
He further reiterated the commitment of the Agency to supporting the mandate of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in providing food security for Nigerians through the GROW strategy being implemented by SMEDAN.
This event follows closely on the heels of a similar SMEDAN initiative held last week in Lagos, which targeted the creative industry—specifically Disc Jockeys. That event also witnessed young Nigerians receiving cash prizes for their exceptional talent and creativity.
The SMEDAN Talent Hunt continues to be a beacon of opportunity for young Nigerians, providing not just funding, but also national recognition and access to support systems that can turn their ideas into thriving enterprises.
The Agency had in previous years implemented the SMEDAN Talent Hunt focused on Fashion, Poetry, Film production, tech solutions, ICT etc.
