The Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL) has thrown its full weight behind the nation’s bright young minds, celebrating their sheer brilliance and tenacious spirit at the Abuja Youth Talent Hunt Competition’s grand finale. This ain’t just another event; it’s a groundbreaking move to nurture the next wave of Nigerian entrepreneurs right here in our Federal Capital Territory (FCT)! Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, the driving force behind AICL, couldn’t hide her excitement as she witnessed firsthand the incredible progress these youngsters have made since the competition kicked off on August 20, 2025. It’s clear as day that Abuja’s economic scene is buzzing with fresh, innovative ideas, and these youths are leading the charge!
- AICL celebrates young innovators at the Abuja Youth Talent Hunt finale.
- Ambassador Maureen Tamuno commends participants for creativity and resilience.
- The competition aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in the FCT.
- Finalists presented business pitches across Creative, ICT, and Agriculture sectors.
- Winners received cash prizes, with top innovators to feature at the Abuja Business and Investment Expo.
Abuja Youth Talent Hunt: A Showcase of Nigerian Ingenuity
The atmosphere was electric at the grand finale of the Abuja Youth Talent Hunt Competition. AICL’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, was beaming as she addressed the crowd. She described the competition as a “pioneering effort” – and you can see why! It’s all about giving our young folks the platform they need to shine and become the business moguls of tomorrow. The progress observed since August 20, 2025, is simply astounding, a true testament to the vibrant spirit of Abuja’s youth.
Meet the Trailblazers: Winners of the Talent Hunt
After a fierce competition where fourteen finalists battled it out with impressive business pitches across the Creative, ICT, and Agriculture sectors, the top talents were finally crowned. These young innovators didn’t just present ideas; they showed real grit and vision!
Agriculture Champion:
Valentine Okoli from Bach & Moen Limited took home the top prize in the Agriculture category. His innovative approach is set to revolutionize how we farm!
ICT Whiz Kid:
In the ICT sector, the crown went to Owura Josiah of Greenjolt Solutions. His tech wizardry is definitely one to watch.
Creative Enterprise Star:
And for the Creative Enterprise category, Okesade Brightness of NeciGlobal stole the show with her brilliant ideas. She really impressed evryone!
Prizes and Future Opportunities: More Than Just Cash!
The stakes were high, and so were the rewards! The overall winners didn’t just walk away with bragging rights; they also received a cool N1 million each. First runners-up bagged N750,000, while the second runners-up earned N500,000. But AICL’s commitment goes way beyond these cash prizes. Ambassador Tamuno emphasized that true success lies in the journey of learning and innovating. She proudly announced that 60 of the top participants will get a golden ticket to showcase their investment-ready ideas at the upcoming Abuja Business and Investment Expo. This is a massive opportunity to connect with potential investors and turn those brilliant concepts into reality!
Aligning with National Goals: Renewed Hope and Sustainable Development
This initiative isn’t just a standalone event; it’s deeply connected to the bigger picture. The Abuja Youth Talent Hunt perfectly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” focusing on job creation, fostering inclusive growth, and championing entrepreneurship. It also echoes the FCT Minister’s ambitious vision to transform Abuja into a global hub for innovation and sustainable development. As Ambassador Tamuno put it, “an investment in our youth is, indeed, a direct investment in our collective future.” It’s a powerful statement that underlines the importance of empowering our young generation.
Support from Key Stakeholders
The success of the event was amplified by the enthusiastic support from key players in the Nigerian development landscape. The Acting Managing Director of the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Dr Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, lauded AICL’s visionary partnership, highlighting how the Talent Hunt has unearthed innovative business ideas poised to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The AEA remains committed to nurturing these young entrepreneurs through mentorship and capacity-building.
Similarly, the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, praised the organisers for championing youth-led innovation. He stressed that empowering young entrepreneurs with the right skills, mentorship, and access to finance is paramount for building a resilient and inclusive economy for Nigeria. It’s a collective effort to build a brighter future.