The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, has commended young innovators for their creativity and resilience.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Abuja Youth Talent Hunt Competition on Thursday, Tamuno described the initiative as a “pioneering effort” in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The GMD expressed delight at the participants’ progress since the event began on August 20, 2025.
She noted that the competition showcased exceptional innovation and entrepreneurial drive among the youth, adding that their achievements reflect the growing dynamism of Abuja’s economic landscape.
“Each of you has demonstrated resilience, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the new face of the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.
Tamuno praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his unwavering support of youth empowerment initiatives, particularly the Abuja Youth Talent Hunt.
Fourteen finalists emerged from the Creative, ICT, and Agriculture sectors after presenting their business pitches, from which three overall winners were selected in each category.
The overall winners were Valentine Okoli (Bach & Moen Limited) for Agriculture, Owura Josiah (Greenjolt Solutions) for ICT, and Okesade Brightness (NeciGlobal) for Creative Enterprise.
Each overall winner received N1 million, while first runners-up got N750,000 and second runners-up received N500,000.
While congratulating the winners, Tamuno commended all participants for their courage and persistence.
She emphasised that success extends beyond prizes, noting that their willingness to learn and innovate positions them as part of the new generation driving Abuja’s economic transformation.
“Even for those who may not have emerged as winners, you have achieved something truly special,” she added.
The GMD explained that the programme was designed to promote youth empowerment and enterprise development, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on job creation, inclusive growth, and entrepreneurship, as well as the FCT Minister’s vision to make Abuja a hub of innovation and sustainable development.
As part of AICL’s continued commitment to youth development, Tamuno announced that 60 of the top participants would feature at the forthcoming Abuja Business and Investment Expo.
She said the expo would provide a platform for young innovators to showcase investment-ready ideas and connect with potential investors.
“We believe your ideas will prove that an investment in our youth is, indeed, a direct investment in our collective future,” she stated.
The Acting Managing Director of the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Dr Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, commended AICL for its visionary partnership and commitment to promoting entrepreneurship among young people.
He noted that the Talent Hunt had uncovered innovative business ideas capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth across key sectors.
Dr Ugwuada-Ezirigwe reaffirmed AEA’s commitment to continued collaboration with AICL and other stakeholders to nurture young entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding, and capacity-building initiatives.
He stressed that empowering youth through enterprise remains one of the most effective ways to achieve sustainable development in the FCT and beyond.
In his goodwill message, the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, commended the organisers for promoting youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship.
He said the initiative aligns with SMEDAN’s mandate to support small and medium enterprises as engines of job creation and national development.
Odii lauded the young participants for their creativity and determination, describing them as vital contributors to Nigeria’s economic future.
He added that empowering young entrepreneurs with the right skills, mentorship, and access to finance is crucial for building a resilient and inclusive economy.
