The City Boy Movement, Ogun State chapter, has awarded N14 million to winners of its technology grant initiative during the Annual Youth Summit held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, recently.
Initially announced as a N10 million initiative, the competition took an unexpected turn when Mr. Seyi Tinubu, co-host of the summit, pledged an additional N4 million after being impressed by the presentations of the finalists.
This surprise announcement elevated the total prize pool, reinforcing the Ogun state City Boy Movement’s dedication to empowering young innovators.
The innovation grant competition brought together some of the brightest minds in Ogun state, with participants presenting creative solutions to pressing socioeconomic and environmental challenges.
The technology grant initiative was part of a larger N45 million empowerment programme unveiled at the summit.
In addition to financial rewards, the winners of the innovation grant will receive mentorship opportunities from industry leaders, access to potential investors and resources to refine and scale their innovations.
The 2024 Ogun state City Boy Youth Summit has set a high standard for youth empowerment and innovation in Nigeria.
According to the organisers, for the innovators who secured the grants, this event represents a pivotal moment in their journey and for Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole, it signals a future powered by the creativity and resilience of its youth.
The programme also included business grants for medium- and small-scale entrepreneurs, scholarships for students and financial support for market women.
The summit featured several distinguished guests, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Senator Adeola Solomon (Yayi), Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communication and Digital Economy; Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Minister for Youth Development; Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz, DG ITF; and Mr. Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN, who graced the event as special guests of honour.