Innovator List

Sector

Sex

Blurb

Ataima Onofiok

Agric

F

"Despite the high demand for affordable protein in Nigeria, particularly in the South, local poultry production remains insufficient. This is largely due to a fragmented value chain, poor feed quality, inefficient processing methods, and a heavy reliance on costly imports. The result is a critical gap in the market that impacts food security and makes it difficult for consumers to access high-quality, affordable poultry products. To address this, Ataima Bassey, through her company Ibom Chicken Park (ICP), has developed a solution by establishing a fully integrated poultry value chain in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. Her integrated production model begins with an MVP of 500 broilers per cycle and a manual processing plant. By raising broilers, producing high quality in house feed, and processing chickens locally, Ibom Chicken Park will deliver affordable poultry to local and national markets. This not only reduces Nigeria's dependence on imports but also promotes food security and aligns with Akwa Ibom State's objective to foster sustainability through agritourism. "

Odudu-Abasi George

Tourism

F

"Recognizing Akwa Ibom's limited online presence, Odudu-Abasi has developed ExploreAK, a comprehensive digital tourism gateway designed to spotlight the region's vibrant culture and attractions. This innovative platform features immersive AR/VR virtual tours of key landmarks, allowing users to experience the beauty of Akwa Ibom remotely. Beyond virtual exploration, ExploreAK provides comprehensive travel guides and rich cultural content, empowering visitors with in-depth information. The platform also fosters community engagement through user-generated reviews and photos, offering authentic insights from fellow travelers. Additionally, ExploreAK includes a marketplace dedicated to connecting tourists with local artisans, facilitating the discovery and purchase of authentic regional products. Ultimately, ExploreAK streamlines the entire travel experience with in-app trip planning and booking capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to explore Akwa Ibom. "

Patrick Afia

Green energy/recyclin g

M

"Rural communities in Akwa Ibom face a confluence of interconnected problems that hinder their development. A heavy reliance on firewood and kerosene for energy contributes to deforestation, poor respiratory health, and environmental damage. This is compounded by high youth unemployment due to a lack of skills and opportunities, as well as poor sanitation and water infrastructure that not only pose health risks but also discourage economic activities like tourism. Additionally, over-reliance on expensive chemical fertilizers leads to low agricultural productivity, creating a cycle of economic and environmental challenges. To address these issues, Patrick Afia has been developed Anegon to create clean, eco-friendly, and tourist-ready villages through biogas technology and community empowerment. His solution lies in a multi-faceted approach that integrates clean energy production with environmental and economic solutions. The plan includes installing household biogas digesters and biogas powered public toilets to convert waste into clean cooking gas, thereby reducing deforestation and improving sanitation. The solution also addresses youth unemployment by training youths in clean energy and tourism support skills. Furthermore, Patrick promotes sustainable agriculture by integrating organic fertilizer from the biogas process into local farms, boosting productivity while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. "

Idara Bassey

Creative sector

F

"The events industry in Akwa Ibom State faces significant challenges that hinder its growth and fail to fully capitalize on the state's potential for tourism. Many event planners struggle with managing client expectations, creating detailed timelines, and coordinating resources efficiently. This leads to disorganized events, budget overruns, and ultimately, a disappointing experience for clients. The lack of professional expertise in these areas not only affects local businesses but also presents a poor image to tourists and visitors, discouraging return visits and larger-scale events that could boost the state's economy. Idara Bassey is solving this problem by introducing a professional and structured approach to event planning that elevates the standard of events in Akwa Ibom. The innovation lies in her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to provide a seamless, end-to-end service. She works closely with clients to define their vision, create detailed timelines, and manage budgets meticulously to ensure a perfect execution. By effectively coordinating all resources, from venues to vendors, and maintaining open channels of communication with all stakeholders, she ensures that every event not only meets but exceeds client expectations. This innovative approach to professional event management will help to promote Akwa Ibom as a premier destination for tourism and events, attracting more visitors and contributing to the state's economic development "

Saviour Henry

Tourism

M

Tourists frequently face a myriad of challenges that impede their travel enjoyment, including information overload, complex logistical planning, and missed opportunities. To comprehensively address these issues and significantly boost the tourism ecosystem within Akwa Ibom state, Saviour Henry developed Eno: a sophisticated travel guide designed to fit seamlessly into any traveler's pocket. This tool offers highly personalized AI suggestions, dynamic itineraries that adapt to individual preferences, and seamless booking capabilities, ensuring a smooth and effortless travel experience. Furthermore, it incorporates interactive maps for intuitive navigation and an essential offline mode, guaranteeing access to critical information even without internet connectivity. This integrated approach aims to eliminate common travel frustrations and unlock Akwa Ibom's full tourism potential.

Aniekan Harry

Agric

M

"Nigeria faces a two-fold problem: a public health crisis linked to the consumption of contaminated palm oil and a largely untapped eco-tourism sector. Many consumers unknowingly purchase and use unsafe palm oil, which contributes to serious health issues like cardiovascular and liver problems. At the same time, the country's rich agricultural landscapes, such as oil palm plantations, are not being utilized to their full potential for tourism or education, leaving a significant economic and social opportunity unexplored. Aniekan is tackling both challenges through a dual impact, approach by integrating sustainable agriculture with eco-tourism. He is establishing a high-quality oil palm plantation that produces contaminant free palm oil, adhering to modern food safety standards to directly combat the public health crisis. Concurrently, this same plantation is being developed into a unique eco-tourism destination. Visitors will be able to enjoy an on site wellness café, an organic market, eco lodges, and nature trails. This solution serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a vital educational hub for schools and NGOs, promoting sustainable agriculture and nutrition. This provides a solution for both food safety and economic development, creating a healthier and more sustainable future. "

Mitchel Chukwudi

Food Manufacturing/processing

M

"Nigeria faces a looming food insecurity crisis, with a significant portion of its population projected to be malnourished by 2030. This problem is compounded by widespread post-harvest waste, where hundreds of kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables are lost weekly due to inefficient supply chains. This results in financial losses for farmers, a decrease in the overall food supply, and a missed opportunity to provide affordable, nutritious food to a growing population. Mitchel created Fruitzy, an agricultural innovation company that offers a bold solution to this dual problem. His solution lies in its vertically integrated, circular economy model that transforms surplus produce into a range of natural, immune boosting drinks. By cultivating 60% of its own raw materials, sourcing the rest from local farmers to reduce waste, and recycling its byproducts into animal feed, Fruitzy ensures that nothing is wasted. This process not only diverts thousands of kilograms of fruits and vegetables from post-harvest loss but also provides healthy food for a growing population. Fruitzy's use of solar freezers and strategic partnerships with major brands also allows for a sustainable and scalable business model that provides high-quality, affordable, and healthy products to a wide consumer base "

Glory Victor

Tourism

F

"Many young students, particularly in underserved communities like Akwa Ibom, are confined to traditional classroom learning, which limits their access to quality education and global exposure. This conventional approach often fails to engage young minds and connect academic content to real world experiences, hindering critical thinking and making learning a less inspiring process. There is a lack of innovative educational tools that can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Glory Victor, through EduTour360, is breaking these boundaries with a solution that blends education with real world experience. She has designed a unique model that combines high-quality, animated academic content with gamified engagement and tourism. EduTour360 partners with schools, NGOs, and brands to organize interactive online quizzes where top performers are rewarded with educational tours of local tourist sites. This approach not only makes learning exciting, relatable, and memorable by connecting it directly to curriculum-aligned stories but also leverages virtual learning to bring the world closer to students. By positioning itself at the intersection of EdTech and tourism, EduTour360 is empowering children to think critically, explore their environment, and dream beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. "

Ekaette Sunday

Food Manufacturing/processing

F

Ekaette’s solution integrates a live production facility directly with its training program, allowing young participants to gain invaluable, real-world experience in a dynamic commercial environment. Beyond simply teaching "how to bake," the solution is designed to instill critical entrepreneurial skills, transforming aspiring bakers into potential job creators who can launch their own ventures or contribute meaningfully to the local economy. This unique synergy ensures that the training is not only practical and in demand but also self sustaining, with revenue from pastry sales reinvested to continually uplift the next generation of culinary talents. The solution equips young individuals with highly marketable baking expertise and the business acumen to leverage it, Ekaette directly addresses unemployment while stimulating local economic growth and fostering a culture of innovation. More than just a school or a factory, the Nsit Ubium Pastries Production and Training Centre is a pioneering blueprint for community driven development, demonstrating how strategic vocational training, when combined with a robust entrepreneurial framework, can unlock significant opportunities and build a resilient future for young people in Nigeria.

Blessing Saturday

Tourism

F

"The Virtual Historical Center brings history to life in an age where history is getting lost. Located right in the heart of Akwa Ibom, Blessing has designed a physical hub powered by immersive 3D and virtual reality technology. This innovation allows students, tourists, and locals to walk through lifelike recreations of ancient cities, interact with historical figures, and engage with forgotten stories in vivid detail. Blending education, tourism, and culture, the center transforms how history is taught and experienced, making it interactive, memorable, and relevant. Aligned with school curricula, it supports teachers and excites young learners, while also creating jobs in tech and the creative industries. Beyond learning, it boosts cultural pride and puts Akwa Ibom on the map as a leader in digital cultural innovation."

Unwana Edet

Creative sector

F

"A key problem contributing to unemployment in Nigeria is the lack of accessible training and job opportunities, particularly for young people. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in industries like fashion are hindered by limited equipment and training capacity, which prevents them from scaling their operations and, in turn, from empowering more individuals with vocational skills. This results in a cycle where business's growth is stunted and local talent remains untapped. Unwana, through her brand Britezee Concepts, is tackling this challenge with an innovative solution. The innovation lies in her strategic ""give-back"" model that directly addresses unemployment within her local community. Britezee Concepts is committed to training young people in the local community. This model transforms her business into more than just a clothing brand; it makes it a local empowerment hub. By prioritizing skill development and community outreach as a core part of her business strategy, Unwana is not only giving her business a competitive advantage but also actively bridging the unemployment gap in her community and creating a sustainable path for growth and social impact "

Etini Isaac

Agric

F

"For too long, aspiring fish farmers in Akwa Ibom have had to travel outside the state for training, employment, or access to quality fingerlings. Etini Isaac's Fish Farm is changing that by introducing a locally based, technologically advanced aquaculture system that produces high-quality fish and sustainable hatchery solutions. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the farm leverages modern techniques to boost yield, ensure healthy fish production, and support the entire aquaculture value chain. From supplying fingerlings to local and out of state farmers, to training workshops and direct consumer sales, this Etini is turning fish farming into a hub of opportunity, driving food security, employment, and regional economic growth."

Glory Akpan

Agric

F

Glory's Oil Palm Sachet Production Unit is set to transform the palm oil market by introducing an innovative packaging and distribution method. This initiative focuses on producing palm oil in convenient, affordable, and hygienic sachets for both local and international consumers. The current challenges in palm oil distribution, such as inconveniently bulky containers, excessive waste, and limited accessibility in remote or low-income areas, will be directly addressed by this solution. Glory's single-serve sachets offer unparalleled convenience and portability, making palm oil more readily available and easier to use. Furthermore, the accessible pricing of these sachets will empower more households to access this essential cooking oil, while the sealed packaging ensures a consistently clean and contamination free product.

Cheryl-Victoria Udom

Creative sector

F

"Despite being a state rich in cultural and natural attractions, Akwa Ibom remains largely underexplored as a tourism destination. The core problem is a significant lack of awareness and visibility, with nine out of ten locals having never explored their own state's hidden treasures. This issue is compounded by limited marketing and a lack of digital infrastructure, which means the state is missing out on the immense economic and social benefits that a thriving tourism sector could provide. Cheryl-Victoria has developed a community-driven, technology-enabled solution to reposition Akwa Ibom as a premier cultural and eco tourism hub. Using a multi-faceted approach, she is leveraging high-quality documentaries and a user friendly digital platform to showcase the state's hidden gems, developing curated guided tours for diverse audiences, and creating virtual reality experiences to ensure inclusivity for people with limited mobility or those in the diaspora. The plan includes the establishment of an annual Akwa Ibom Tourism Week to celebrate the state's rich arts, crafts, and cuisine. By strategically combining digital storytelling with on-the-ground experiences, Cheryl aims to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem that empowers local communities, attracts visitors from around the world, and drives significant economic growth. "

Emmanuel Enensi

Tourism

M

"Tourism should be for everyone, yet persons with disabilities (PWDs) are too often left behind due to inaccessible destinations, limited digital access, and scarce employment opportunities. Emmanuel and Semfon created Boundless Exploration to remove these barriers and unlock inclusive pathways within the tourism sector. Through tailored digital skills training in areas like web development, digital marketing, and data analysis, Emmanuel and Semfon aim to equip PWDs for meaningful roles in tourism. The aim to offer accessible tourism services such as mobility aids and portable ramps, while working with tourism operators to conduct accessibility audits and improve inclusion. Their online platform will be equipped with complete with sign language interpretation and audio descriptions, ensuring PWDs can plan travel with ease. "

Ozioma Igwe

Tourism

F

"Families are increasingly seeking safe and educational tourism experiences for their children, yet despite Akwa Ibom's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, there is a significant dearth of children focused tourism offerings across Nigeria. Parents often struggle to find quality, engaging, and child friendly tourism options, while conventional school excursions tend to be uninspiring and easily forgotten, leaving children disconnected from their local heritage and natural environment. Ozioma's neosafari directly addresses this critical gap by providing meticulously crafted heritage and adventure tours specifically designed for children, offering immersive camps and hands on workshops that foster deep engagement. Her solution also delivers school field trips meticulously tailored to align with educational curricula, ensuring a truly enriching and relevant learning experience. To extend the learning and enjoyment beyond the trip, participants will receive thoughtfully designed take home activity and souvenir kits, reinforcing their connection to the cultural and natural wonders explored."

Edikeneabasi Peters

Tourism

M

"Africa's vast tourism potential, valued at over $261 billion by 2030, remains largely untapped due to significant barriers. High travel costs, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of effective digital marketing prevent global audiences from experiencing the continent's rich landscapes and cultures. For local tourism operators, traditional marketing methods offer a low return on investment, making it difficult to drive bookings. This problem extends to other sectors, such as real estate, where agents struggle to market high-value properties to diaspora buyers, resulting in slower sales. A key technological barrier is the low adoption of expensive VR gear in Nigeria, despite the high smartphone penetration rate, as existing VR platforms are often too costly and not optimized for a mobile-first market. Edikeneabasi, through DreemVR, has developed an innovative and accessible solution that digitizes tourism and revolutionizes virtual reality for the Nigerian market. The innovation lies in DreemVR's smartphone optimized 360° virtual tours, which eliminate the need for expensive headsets and reach 80% of Nigeria's mobile first population. This makes VR technology affordable and widely accessible, empowering creators, tourism operators, and real estate agents to connect with global audiences. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, including tour creation, hosting, and monetization tools, enabling businesses to generate revenue from paid access and gamified experiences. DreemVR's approach not only addresses the market's need for affordable VR but also extends its impact across multiple industries, including construction monitoring, to create immersive interactions that build trust and improve user experience, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the global VR market. "

Semfon Essien

Tourism

F

"Tourism should be for everyone, yet persons with disabilities (PWDs) are too often left behind due to inaccessible destinations, limited digital access, and scarce employment opportunities. Emmanuel and Semfon created Boundless Exploration to remove these barriers and unlock inclusive pathways within the tourism sector. Through tailored digital skills training in areas like web development, digital marketing, and data analysis, Emmanuel and Semfon aim to equip PWDs for meaningful roles in tourism. The aim to offer accessible tourism services such as mobility aids and portable ramps, while working with tourism operators to conduct accessibility audits and improve inclusion. Their online platform will be equipped with complete with sign language interpretation and audio descriptions, ensuring PWDs can plan travel with ease. """

Victoria Peter

Tourism

F

"Tourists visiting Uyo, Akwa Ibom, face several challenges that can hinder their travel experience. Many struggle to navigate the city without a local guide, as general mapping tools are often inadequate for finding hidden gems and local spots. Tourists also face difficulties in budgeting due to a lack of awareness of local prices, leading to overspending. This is compounded by a lack of information on local climate and an inefficient way to plan and organize their trip, which can result in a stressful rather than an enjoyable experience. To address these issues, Victoria has developed Vee Tours, a mobile application that serves as a virtual tour guide for Uyo. The solution is an integrated platform that provides a seamless and user friendly experience. Instead of forcing travellers to use multiple apps, Vee Tours combines an interactive, colour coded map to easily locate key attractions with a dynamic itinerary planner to organize their trips efficiently. The app also features a unique budgeting tool that provides an overview of average local costs, helping tourists manage their expenses. Additionally, a real-time fashion and weather tip banner ensures travellers are always prepared for Uyo's climate. By integrating all these features into a single application, Vee Tours provides a holistic solution that empowers tourists to explore Uyo confidently and affordably, without the need for a physical guide. "

Victoria Uyoh

Agric

F

"Victoria is addressing a critical gap in the poultry value chain faced by smallholder farmers in her community: the lack of access to quality hatcheries and genetically improved day-old chicks (DOCs). These farmers often rely on inconsistent supply from large dealers who prioritize bulk buyers, leaving smaller producers with substandard or weakened chicks, ultimately affecting productivity and profitability. To solve this, Victoria is establishing a locally based hatchery that will ensure steady, reliable access to high-quality DOCs for both egg and meat production. Her approach empowers small-scale farmers to scale their operations with confidence and compete more effectively in the market. Recognizing the rising demand for vegetables and the shortage of organic manure, Victoria is also expanding her existing poultry business to boost local manure production. This not only supports sustainable vegetable farming but also reduces dependency on external suppliers, lowering production costs for farmers. "

Eme Etim

Creative sector

F

"Eme is addressing two key challenges in the craft and home décor sector: the high cost of quality wooden products and the underutilization of local artisan skills and raw materials. Many consumers and retailers struggle to access affordable, eco-friendly craft items, while local artisans and farmers lack market linkage and steady income opportunities. Through Emmy Raffia Craft World, Eme offers a solution by producing high-quality, eco-friendly wooden crafts at prices up to 30% lower than competitors. She has built strong market linkages that connect local talent to broader markets, while empowering artisans and farmers through fair partnerships and sustainable tanning practices. Her innovation not only reduces environmental impact but also boosts local economies"

Unwana James

Tourism

F

"Akwa Ibom's tourism and business sectors are hindered by a critical problem: a lack of accessible and usable location based data. This leads to low visibility for local tourism sites and makes it difficult for business owners to connect with the specific needs of their market. Without a centralized, digital platform that provides accurate geographical information, urban planning is inefficient, and businesses, from tech startups to event planners, are unable to make data driven decisions. Uwana James is addressing this challenge with an innovative solution centred on Location Intelligence. He combines GIS, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Analytics to create a comprehensive, local first platform by building lightweight, interactive maps and tailored geo-applications that are designed with local content in mind. This provides a user friendly and accessible way for businesses and tourists to find and connect with local services. The platform also uses real time monitoring via IoTs and is open source, promoting collaboration and contributions from other innovators. By collecting data from existing geospatial platforms and partnering with the Ministry of Tourism, his solution boosts local businesses and tourism and is sustained through community development, training youths as data collection operators, and channelling revenue back into the local economy. "

Beatrice Joshua

Creative sector

F

"Beatrice Joshua, a creative innovator from Obotim Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, realized the critical role of creativity in today's economy, evident across various sectors from festivals and fashion to theatrical displays and weddings. She has identified a significant challenge within Akwa Ibom: the absence of dedicated fashion hubs where historical costumes, native attires, and traditional crafts are preserved and made accessible. This oversight poses a substantial risk of losing invaluable cultural heritage within the next decade, particularly for younger generations who may never experience or remember these traditions. To address this impending loss, Beatrice, driven by her passion for art and culture, proposes an innovative solution: establishing an Art Hub dedicated to the manufacturing and sale of authentic costumes and handcrafted items. This hub would feature a diverse range of traditional attire, including iconic pieces such as Mkpin, Usobó, Utak abia (long sleeve intricate cloth), Nyohó (flowing Agbada), Ekpe (traditional wear with golden embroidery), Onyónyó (flowing wrapper with designs), Utuk-udo (colorful blouse and wrapper), and Mbókó (long sleeve ankle-length gown). The fabrics used would prominently feature Nsibidi, known for its symbolic designs. Additionally, the hub would offer an array of traditional accessories like Mkpakpo (hats), Uyayi (beaded jewelry), Nkpó (cowry shells), Ikpa ukod (crafted shoes), Aya (crafted mats), and intricately crafted or beaded hand fans. These costumes, far more than mere garments, serve as powerful storytelling tools, conveying narratives about individuals or specific communities. This art and handmade costume hub would not only preserve cultural heritage but also serve as a significant tourist attraction, particularly by drawing attention to the rich, hidden meanings embedded in the attire of the 1970s and 1980s. "

CATHERINE

Chime

Agric

F

"The palm oil sector is hindered by a critical problem: high levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the product. This leads to a rapid deterioration and rancidity, which drastically reduces its market value, usability, and shelf life. Beyond economic losses, high FFA content diminishes the oil's nutritional value, raises safety concerns, and has been linked to increased cholesterol levels in humans. This poses a significant challenge for producers looking to meet the stringent health, safety, and export standards demanded by the global food, cosmetic, and biodiesel industries. To address this, Catherine has developed an innovative solution focused on enhancing the value and health profile of palm oil. She proposes to integrate a dual method deacidification process where she combines chemical neutralization, which uses alkaline treatment to remove FFAs, with physical refining, an efficient and eco-friendly method that utilizes steam or vacuum distillation for large scale FFA removal. This dual-method strategy ensures the production of premium, low-FFA palm oil that not only meets growing market demands but also unlocks higher returns for stakeholders, improves public health, and significantly extends the product's shelf life. "

Victor Asuquo

Tourism

M

"The current tourism industry presents significant challenges, particularly for the 1.3 billion people globally living with disabilities. Despite a substantial accessible tourism market, traditional travel platforms offer generic and often inaccessible experiences. Travelers frequently struggle with language barriers, cultural complexities, and a lack of real-time assistance, issues that are acutely felt by persons with disabilities. This results in a market that is largely underserved, hindering the potential for truly inclusive travel. To address these profound challenges, Victor created Queska, an innovative AI-powered tourism platform. The innovation lies in its AI Agent Universe, a suite of specialized agents that provide highly personalized travel assistance. These agents, powered by Lumicoria's AI infrastructure, can manage everything from intricate accessibility requirements to nuanced cultural immersion. This user-friendly platform, accessible through a no code agent creation interface, democratizes travel and makes it inclusive for all, regardless of ability or technical expertise. Victor aims to transform global exploration by providing intelligent, accessible, and culturally immersive travel experiences that adapt to individual needs, thereby making tourism empowering and barrier free for everyone. "

Victor Okon

Tourism

M

"Akwa Ibom's tourism landscape is plagued by a lack of integrated, all-in-one visitor experiences. Despite the state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, its tourism and real estate sectors operate in isolation. This fragmentation prevents Akwa Ibom from capitalizing on its full potential, as it fails to meet the modern traveller’s demand for immersive and cohesive experiences that celebrate local culture and nature. Victor Okon's solution is an innovative approach that bridges this gap by blending real estate with tourism. The innovation lies in his concept of luxury themed estates, which are designed to serve as both residential communities and premier tourist destinations. These estates offer a unique lifestyle by integrating curated cultural tours, eco-friendly living, and access to the best of Akwa Ibom's hospitality. By creating these self contained hubs of culture, nature, and comfort, Victor is not only developing new real estate but is also building a new model for tourism that provides a seamless, integrated, and authentic experience for both residents and visitors. "

Victoria Francis

Green Economy/Recycling

F

"Nigeria faces a formidable challenge with over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, a mere 10% of which is recycled. The overwhelming majority contributes to significant environmental degradation, including land, air, and waterway pollution, exacerbating climate change, increasing flooding, and generally harming communities. A critical gap exists in sustainable, incentive-driven systems for local plastic recovery. Ndueso's Circular Solution Plasticultured is addressing this issue head-on by fostering a circular, zero-waste culture from the ground up, built on a robust framework of incentives, education, and infrastructure. At the heart of this initiative is PlasticulturedBank, a community centered program that directly rewards individuals for sorting and depositing recyclable plastics, such as pure water sachets and PET bottles. This system effectively aggregates commercial quantities of recyclables, creating shared value for participants. Complementing this, Sustainability Education is delivered through engaging workshops, comprehensive community outreach, targeted campus campaigns, and gamified learning experiences for young people and schools under the ""Basic Waste Education"" initiative. Furthermore, Plasticultured establishes Community Recycling Workspaces, serving as micro processing hubs where plastic waste is sorted, baled, and repurposed into valuable raw materials or finished products. A new and pivotal element of their strategy is the Strategic Recyclable Single-Use Plastic Waste Collection System, which involves setting up decentralized collection centers in strategic locations, beginning in Akwa Ibom and expanding beyond. This system is further bolstered by the deployment of Plastic Only Bins in high litter areas to streamline recovery logistics and significantly reduce socio-environmental impact. Plasticultured Cooperative is a user powered pool of recyclable single use plastics, where members earn value and co ownership, actively contributing to a shared, circular future. Plasticultured is a dynamic, community driven initiative tackling plastic pollution by advancing a Net Zero Plastic Waste Culture across Nigeria, commencing with Akwa Ibom State. Through dedicated advocacy, comprehensive education, active community activation, innovative single-use plastic recovery methods, and the manufacturing of recycled products, Plasticultured empowers both individuals and institutions to become integral participants in a localized, circular plastic economy."

Ndueso Etuk

Green Economy/Recycling

M

"Nigeria faces a formidable challenge with over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, a mere 10% of which is recycled. The overwhelming majority contributes to significant environmental degradation, including land, air, and waterway pollution, exacerbating climate change, increasing flooding, and generally harming communities. A critical gap exists in sustainable, incentive-driven systems for local plastic recovery. Ndueso's Circular Solution Plasticultured is addressing this issue head-on by fostering a circular, zero-waste culture from the ground up, built on a robust framework of incentives, education, and infrastructure. At the heart of this initiative is PlasticulturedBank, a community-centered program that directly rewards individuals for sorting and depositing recyclable plastics, such as pure water sachets and PET bottles. This system effectively aggregates commercial quantities of recyclables, creating shared value for participants. Complementing this, Sustainability Education is delivered through engaging workshops, comprehensive community outreach, targeted campus campaigns, and gamified learning experiences for young people and schools under the ""Basic Waste Education"" initiative. Furthermore, Plasticultured establishes Community Recycling Workspaces, serving as micro-processing hubs where plastic waste is sorted, baled, and repurposed into valuable raw materials or finished products. A new and pivotal element of their strategy is the Strategic Recyclable Single-Use Plastic Waste Collection System, which involves setting up decentralized collection centers in strategic locations, beginning in Akwa Ibom and expanding beyond. This system is further bolstered by the deployment of Plastic-Only Bins in high-litter areas to streamline recovery logistics and significantly reduce socio-environmental impact. Finally, the Plasticultured Cooperative is a burgeoning, user-powered pool of recyclable single-use plastics, where members earn value and co-ownership, actively contributing to a shared, circular future. Plasticultured is a dynamic, community-driven initiative tackling plastic pollution by advancing a Net Zero Plastic Waste Culture across Nigeria, commencing with Akwa Ibom State. Through dedicated advocacy, comprehensive education, active community activation, innovative single-use plastic recovery methods, and the manufacturing of recycled products, Plasticultured empowers both individuals and institutions to become integral participants in a localized, circular plastic economy."

Grace Etukudo Wilson

Creative sector

F

In Nigeria, the textile industry’s reliance on synthetic fabrics fuels environmental degradation and mounting waste, while women and persons with disabilities face systemic barriers to economic participation. Despite the availability of abundant natural fibers like bamboo and banana stems, these resources remain largely untapped for sustainable fabric production. Grace Etukodo’s EcoTex is changing that narrative by producing biodegradable, plant-based fabrics while empowering marginalized communities. Through training and employing women and PWDs in every stage of the production cycle, from fiber extraction to weaving EcoTex is building a local circular textile economy that champions environmental sustainability, inclusive entrepreneurship, and the revival of indigenous crafts

Joy Daniel

Creative sector

F

"Akwa Ibom is home to a natural resource with immense potential: bamboo. However, this potential remains largely unharnessed. The state faces a significant problem of underutilized bamboo, leading to a diminished craft culture and missed opportunities for economic development. The traditional knowledge of creating various crafts from bamboo has been fading, and without a concerted effort to revive it, this valuable skill and resource will be lost. This is a critical gap, as bamboo can serve as a sustainable and durable material for a wide range of products, while simultaneously creating jobs and fostering a green economy. Joy Daniel, who has witnessed the decline of this craft firsthand, is providing an innovative solution to this problem. She intends to reverse this trend by creating sustainable, modern furniture from bamboo. The innovation lies in her multi-faceted approach that not only focuses on product creation but also on community empowerment and skill transfer. Joy plans to establish a comprehensive program for bamboo craft, where she will teach young people how to create various products from bamboo. This initiative will empower other young individuals to start their own bamboo businesses, thereby reviving the craft and creating a sustainable ecosystem for bamboo-based products. Through this solution, she is transforming an underutilized resource into a catalyst for job creation, skill development, and a more sustainable economy in Akwa Ibom. "

Janet Okon

Tourism

F

This idea focuses on the documentation and multimedia publication of Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage and tourist sites, using a dedicated team to visit and record key historic and natural landmarks across the state. After capturing materials on-site, the team will edit, produce, and disseminate the content through television, radio, print, and especially social media, to reach global audiences. Janet Okom's initiative aims to spotlight neglected but historically significant sites like the Amalgamation House in Ikot Abasi and create development opportunities for local communities, reduce cultural ignorance, and inspire pride among citizens. The project aligns with the Arise Agenda and contributes to socio-economic growth through awareness and strategic publicity.