Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Industrial experts and other professionals in government and private agencies will mentor and impart skills on young entrepreneurs in the South-East as part of the activities for the maiden 2024 Pivot Challenge.
The programme which is being organised by The Pivot, a non-governmental organisation, is targeted at harnessing the talents, creativity and innovative spirit of the South-East people towards boosting socio-economic development of the region.
The organisers said the programme would take place in Anambra and would attract young entrepreneurs in South-East region between the ages of 18 and 35.
Themed, “From Ground to Up: Building a Prosperous Future For Southeastern Nigeria,” Participants are expected to submit their pitches on the registration portal between June and July 12, 2023.
Executive Director of The Pivot, Ifedi Eze, told journalists in Awka, Anambra state capital, that the programme is part of the activities of The Pivot aimed at encouraging innovation and supporting organisations which are building enterprises to address societal issues.
According to him, “Pivot challenge was conceived to harness the innovative spirit of our people and channel it towards the sustainability solution that will drive social and economic progress of the South-East region and country at large.
“We are interested in those that want to impact the society. The early stage organisations with innovative solutions to social problems but which are struggling with either issues of finance, access to market, access to mentors, and those still trying to find their foot in their areas of trade.”
“Our approach is not just young people but to position as enabler of enablers and people who are desirous of driving change in the society.”
Contributing, 2024 Pivot Challenge Coordinator, Onyinye Okafor, explained that the challenge will focus on various critical sectors including agriculture and food security, clean energy and environment, gender equality and social inclusion, technology and innovation, healthcare and wellbeing economic development and welth creation, education and skill development, infrastructure as well as security.
She said 50 successful participants would be enrolled in a free boot camp starting September 2nd, while the top 10 from the boot camp exercise will present their final pitches at the October 1 annual Pivot conference with prizes expected for winners.
