Osarode Odemwingie has emerged the winner of the inaugural Nigeria PachiPanda challenge organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with MTN Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement released by Dr Joseph Onoja, the Director-General of NCF, on Monday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odemwingiei is a photographer, environmentalist and innovator.
Onoja described the challenge as a programme aimed at incubating youth-led Small and Medium Enterprises to tackle current environmental challenges and promote sustainability.
According to him, the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is part of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge, a joint initiative of MTN Global and World Wildlife Fund.
He noted that the PachiPanda Challenge was launched to inspire and support innovative solutions addressing pressing environmental challenges across the African continent.
Onoja said the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge received 1,643 entries across the four focus areas: plastic pollution, climate change, circular economy, and community development.
“The top 100 emerged after thorough assessment and evaluation of all the entries received.
“Another rigorous assessment of the top 100 entries produced the top 10 finalists.
“The top 10 finalists made their presentations to the judges and the teaming audience at the pitch presentation event that took place at the MTN Roof Top Event Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, from Nov 4 – 5 2024,” he said.
Onoja said Odemwingie emerged the winner of the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, after impressing the judges with his creativity, commitment to sustainable practices, and passion for environmental protection.
He said Odemwingie project, which involved the collection and reuse of fruit waste and chicken feathers for mushroom production, exemplified the ideals of the PachiPanda Challenge and set a powerful example for his peers.
Onoja said the award was attended by dignitaries from both the NCF and MTN Nigeria, the judges, and other environmental enthusiasts, celebrating Odemwingie’s achievement.
He commended the participants for their creative and innovative ideas aimed at tackling environmental challenges.
Onoja urged more young Nigerians to join the movement for a greener future.
“Initiatives like the PachiPanda Challenge demonstrate the incredible potential of our youth to create meaningful change.
“We are thrilled to witness the passion and innovation displayed by our young conservationists,” Onoja said.
MTN Nigeria, the event’s principal sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting environmental causes and fostering eco-conscious values among Nigeria’s youth.
“We believe that investing in environmental education and awareness today secures a sustainable tomorrow.
“We congratulate Odemwingie and all the participants who took part in the PachiPanda Challenge,” he quoted Mrs Adekemi Adisa, the General Manager, Sustainability & Shared Values, MTN Nigeria, as saying.
General Manager, Sustainability & Shared Values, MTN Nigeria said
He said that as the winner of the PachiPanda Challenge, Odemwingie received a cash award of N3,000,000.
“Olabisi Emmanuel came second and received a cash award of N2,000,000, while the Sparkwise Initiative Team received a cash prize of N1,500,000 for the third position.
“In all, there were three winners with a total prize of N6,500,000.
“Their efforts and accomplishments stand as a testament to the impact that dedicated young individuals can have on the future of Nigeria’s environment,” he added. (NAN)
