Olateju Emmanuel Olamide has emerged winner of the MTN Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge 3.0, on the closing ceremony of the youth innovation competitors held in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Olateju’s product, LumiCare, an AI-powered neonatal jaundice screening answer in infants, tackling a number one risk to new child survival in Nigeria. James Thomas Terhemba, whose startup answer, TED Evergreen Smart Energy 900, combines digital expertise with decentralised solar energy to beat affordability challenges for rural communities, emerged first runner-up, whereas Oluwadunsin Temilola Bolaji, with Sachet Bank Africa, a group plastic sachet restoration and recycling initiative, completed second runner-up. The winner, first runner-up and second runner-up obtained money prizes of NGN5 million, NGN3 million, and NGN2 million respectively.
Presenting the awards, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, mentioned the platform mirrored MTN’s dedication to the nation and the planet.
“That is the thinking behind PachiPanda, getting our youth, our biggest advantage as Africa and as Nigeria, involved in solving the problems that we face on a daily basis,” he mentioned.
Also talking, Senior Officer, Strategic Partnership – Business Development and Partnership, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Bolanle Akinleye-Opara, mentioned the competitors had showcased options with real potential for nationwide influence.
