Winners have emerged in the ‘iQube Innovation Challenge’ and were rewarded with cash prizes worth N7 million.
The award presentation, which was done in Lagos at the weekend, saw 10 finalists going home with cash prizes at the 2014 competition organised by iQube.
Speaking at the event, iQube Founder, Mr. Chukwuka Monye said the initiative was set up to encourage youths to be innovative and be focused.
"It is for them to be innovative. I believe that if one can be focused, believe in yourself and come up with ideas that are out of the box, one is offered a chance," he said.
He also explained that iQube with other partners like, FCMB, Microsoft, Avantgarde Consulting and CNBC Africa decided to use the programme as a corporate social responsibility towards giving back to the society.
Speaking further, Monye pointed out that if the youths try to come with solutions that can actually solve problems in the society, people would recognise them.
According to him; "we are not funding businesses but the idea is to encourage them so they are encouraged to do more."
Meanwhile, Ms. Uchenna Mojekwu of First City Monument Bank described the initiative as an avenue to empower youths as well as to let the world know about the ideas that comes from Africa and especially Nigeria.
She also added that despite the negative things about Nigeria, the initiative is something the bank is excited supporting from a business, social and sustainable stand points that will fit in into the network.
Moreover, the Chief Operating Officer, Avantgarde, Mr. Adewale Alli posited that supporting the idea was a way of assisting young entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.
The first prize went to Mr. Tony Obiwon, who developed an offline educational solution to help candidates prepare for examinations while the second and third prizes went to Messrs Oluwaseun Odukoya and Salam Habeeb respectively.
Other finalists are; Messrs Terver Malu, Chukwunonso Nwaogu, Adewale Opeloyeru, Patrick Ezeanyagu, Enoo Abamba, Upeters Franklyn and Gozie Nnabuife