Ekiti - Innovator List

Sector

Sex

Blurb

Shade Adewoye

Agric

F

Shade has established Aduke Oni'ru, a pioneering food processing company that specializes in refining and packaging locust beans, a cherished traditional African condiment, to meet stringent export standards. The company's innovative e-commerce platform makes high-quality locust beans easily accessible to African food stores, both locally and internationally. By prioritizing exceptional quality, convenience, and cultural preservation, Aduke Oni'ru is revolutionizing how African cuisine is accessed and enjoyed globally. The platform not only streamlines the supply chain but also champions African food traditions, fostering a wider cultural exchange and appreciation for this unique and flavorful ingredient around the world.

Khadijat Bello

Creative Sector

F

Khadijat Bello represents a charming and innovative take on traditional headwear, reimagining classic designs to offer comfort and style for everyone. This brand is redefining the perception of smaller head coverings, introducing meticulously crafted pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also prioritize a comfortable and secure fit. Whether it's for cultural expression, a touch of personal flair, or simply a desire for a lightweight and versatile accessory, the innovator combines heritage with contemporary appeal, bringing a fresh perspective to a timeless accessory.

Usman Abubakar

Creative Sector

M

"Usman is committed to creating sustainable employment opportunities for local artisans, talented designers, skilled craftspeople, and experienced event planners through trainings for them to develop artistic vision with practical design principles that elevates visual storytelling, enhances ambiance, and adds value to celebrations, stage performances, and cultural gatherings. Usman collaborates closely with playwrights, directors, stage managers, and costume designers to create captivating and immersive sets, props, and backdrops that breathe life into stories and transport audiences to different realms. His theatrical design services encompass everything from initial script analysis and conceptual sketching to the construction of intricate set pieces and the sourcing of authentic props. He understands the importance of creating a believable and engaging environment that supports the actors' performances and enhances the overall theatrical experience. He carefully considers factors such as lighting, sound, and special effects to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for the audience "

Afeez Saheed

Creative Sector

M

Saheed is promoting local culture highlighting untapped talents and showcasing sustainable ideas that are often overlooked in grassroot communities. Throuhg compelling photography digital media and on the groud reporting , he is bridging the gap between marginalized voices and the world that needs to hear them. The innovator creates visibility for the unseen, captures the realities of grassroots life by highlighting local stories and inspiting action by policy makers.

Mohammed Adiza

Creative Sector

F

"Despite ongoing efforts to address social challenges in Kwara State, traditional methodologies often fall short. They frequently lack cultural sensitivity, struggle to reach remote areas, and fail to connect with people on a deeply personal level. Persistent issues like low health and education awareness, youth unrest, and communal conflicts continue to impede sustainable development. This reliance on conventional, top-down approaches often ignores the underlying cultural and societal factors, limiting long-term success. To tackle this problem Adiza created Deejah Entertainment Industry which leverages the power of entertainment to create highly engaging and emotionally relatable content, tackling pressing social issues through original music, dynamic dance, and thought-provoking short films. She embeds social messages within compelling narratives, captures the attention of her target audience, and fosters genuine understanding and empathy. Her approach is deeply rooted in the community as she collaborates with residents and leaders to ensure her content is culturally authentic and directly addresses their specific needs. She uses local language and incorporates traditional art forms, building trust and promoting the adoption of positive behaviours. Her storytelling is designed to be emotionally engaging and persuasive, inspiring mindset shifts in a memorable and impactful way. She utilizes a wide array of platforms, from live performances in public spaces and radio broadcasts to social media campaigns and interactive community events. This multi-platform delivery bridges the information gap, empowering individuals in even the most underserved and remote populations. "

Olamide Adeoye

Edutech

F

Olamide is committed to improving Nigeria’s education system by equipping teachers and students with digital literacy skills, through training on effective use of educational technology, classroom management tools, and integration of digital applications into the curriculum to enhance learning outcomes and global competitiveness.

Nana Aisha Abdulkadir

Creative Sector

F

"Despite Nigeria's rich culture and talent, many artisans face significant obstacles, including a lack of market access and a decline in traditional skills. The market is often saturated with generic products that fail to reflect the country's diverse heritage. To solve this, Nana Fashion/Creative Arts has developed an innovative, community-driven approach called the Nana Fashion/Creative Arts. This is a dynamic enterprise that is revitalizing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage by transforming it into innovative, market ready products. Operating out of Kwara State, the solution addresses pressing social and economic challenges like unemployment, cultural erosion, and environmental waste. By uniquely blending cultural storytelling, fashion design, and craft, creating a positive ripple effect throughout communities, promoting local talent and empowering women and youth. The solution lies in creating culturally inspired products that are both functional and appealing. This includes handcrafted fruit-shaped throw pillows made from local textiles, trendy and eco-friendly upcycled baby clothes, and diverse key holders that feature cultural and religious motifs. Additionally, they produce vibrant, hand-painted piggy banks to promote financial literacy among children. This solution is rooted in a collaborative and participatory model. The company works directly with local artisans, women’s groups, and youth to develop products that blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs. Through training workshops in sewing and embroidery, they build local capacity and ensure sustainability. By promoting Nigerian culture through social media, exhibitions, and pop-up markets, they help local artisans reach a broader audience, both domestically and internationally. This commitment to sustainable upcycling, authentic cultural representation, and empowering marginalized groups is what makes Nana Fashion/Creative Arts a transformative force in the creative industry. "

Emmanuel Afolabi

Creative Sector

M

"Kwara State is home to countless passionate entrepreneurs, despite their drive the majority remain hidden from the digital world, with only 30% of local businesses having a website and fewer than 10% understanding or using SEO. This significant digital divide prevents them from reaching a wider audience and growing their businesses. To solve this problem, Emmanuel created Dynasty SEO to bridge the gap by helping Kwara's businesses become more visible online. His solution is designed to create functional, mobile-first websites and optimize them with strategic SEO that ensures they rank higher on search engines. This approach provides businesses with increased online visibility, a wider customer reach, and better engagement and revenue generation. With over 10,000 registered businesses and countless unregistered micro-enterprises, the need for a strong online presence is urgent. Dynasty SEO sees a significant market opportunity of ₦2.5 billion in web presence and marketing support within Kwara State alone. His target market includes small and medium enterprises, artisans, local producers, schools, and emerging influencers who are ready to scale and dominate their respective industries. "

Abdulsalam Kehinde

Creative Sector

M

"Our Vision is to be a problem solver of commercial horticulture and poultry farm brands not just in Kwara state, not just in Nigeria but also on the global stage. Our mission is to see our horticulture and chickens garden produce sell in all areas of Kwara state, Nigeria and other countries of the world"

Esther Kayode

Creative Sector

F

"Esther is tackling unemployment and climate change by establishing a bag making business that equips individuals especially the unemployed with skills, empowering them to earn income, reduce financial hardship, and contribute to reducing crime rates through productive engagement. She also focuses on mitigating climate change by recycling waste materials utilizing waste to produce unique and high-quality bags. "

Rabiat Abubakar ndakene

Creative Sector

F

"Rabiat is pioneering a business model that is not only profitable but also deeply rooted in community and culture. She is teaching her craft through workshops and online courses, directly empowering individuals with valuable skills that enable them to start their own businesses and generate income. Her diverse revenue streams include bespoke jewellery, ready-to-wear fashion lines, and comprehensive event planning creating a demand for locally made products and services. Rabiat’s solution creates sustainable opportunities for local artisans and craftspeople, ensuring they have a platform to showcase their talent and earn a fair living. By investing in a talented creative team and leveraging technology to streamline operations, Rabiat’s solution is positioned to grow and thrive while empowering local artistry and enriching the cultural landscape. "

Jesufemi Dunsin Oluajagbe

Creative Sector

M

"In Nigeria, the exclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) from digital literacy initiatives is a significant concern, threatening the nation's goal of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030. There is a significant gap in digital literacy for marginalized and vulnerable populations. This is not merely a lack of access, but a deep-rooted issue of cost and inclusivity. ICT centres and assistive devices are inaccessible for persons with disabilities. Students often leave school with only a theoretical understanding of computers, lacking the practical skills essential for academic and professional success. Furthermore, individuals with disabilities are frequently left behind due to significant infrastructural and communication barriers. To address these challenges, Jesufemi has created The Innovation Hub, a modern ICT center with a singular focus on affordability and inclusivity. This academy is designed to provide essential computer literacy and digital skills at a price point and within a structure that ensures even the most vulnerable communities can gain access. The hub is a neatly built, conducive environment where the target audience can receive the hands-on, practical training needed to thrive in a rapidly growing digital world. The Innovation Hub is dedicated to empowering its community, including those with disabilities, by breaking down long-standing barriers. His mission is to equip persons with disabilities with the necessary tools to not just participate, but to thrive in the digital future, preparing them for a wealth of academic and career opportunities. "

Fatima Yakubu

Creative Sector

F

" to transform traditional crochet into a vibrant plaƞorm for cultural expression and economic empowerment. By showcasing Kwara’s intricate designs and stories through artisan craŌsmanship, she aims to elevate this ancient craŌ into a modern industry that provides meaningful employment opportunities for young people, champions local artistry, and positions Kwara as a hub of innovative cultural entrepreneurship."

Hauwa Umar

Creative Sector

F

"Hauwa is addressing the decline of traditional crafts and high youth unemployment in Kwara state by creating an accessible, low-cost model for producing Adire and Aso Oke. This approach offers practical training and mentorship, equipping young people with both traditional craftsmanship and modern entrepreneurial skills. She is strengthening local economies and creating income-generating opportunities rooted in local culture. Hauwa’s solution tackles cultural disconnection among young people by reconnecting them with their heritage through creative expression. Through her solution she equips these young people to enhance the quality and design of local fabrics to appeal to modern and global markets, positioning Kwara as a hub for authentic with high-quality, handcrafted textiles. Her vision extends beyond clothing, encouraging the use of these fabrics in interior decoration, souvenirs, and general merchandise. This eco-friendly and gender-inclusive approach lays the groundwork for a thriving, self sustaining creative economy that empowers lives, preserves heritage, and generates sustainable wealth. "

Bilikiss Abdulkadir Abolore

Creative Sector

F

"In Kwara State, athletes with disabilities often face significant barriers to participating in sports, limiting their access to professional training, community engagement, and opportunities to showcase their talent. Traditional sports programs frequently overlook this population, resulting in a lack of support for para sports and hindering the physical and social integration of these athletes. This gap in the sports community not only stifles athletic potential but also perpetuates a lack of awareness about inclusivity. Harmony Para Sport Academy, founded by Abdulkadir Bilikis Abolore, is a pioneering solution to this problem. The academy is dedicated to developing para sports in the region by providing quality training and inclusive programs that empower athletes with disabilities. Through professional coaching in sports like wheelchair basketball and para athletics, the academy enhances athletes' physical abilities and fosters their social integration. The academy's innovative model extends beyond training sessions. It organizes competitions and events to showcase the athletes' talents, serving as a powerful platform for community engagement and awareness. By building strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, and sponsors, Harmony Para Sport Academy is creating a supportive ecosystem that champions inclusivity and athletic excellence. This approach ensures that athletes with disabilities in Ilorin and beyond have the resources and recognition they need to thrive, positioning Kwara State as a leader in inclusive sports development. "

Mohammed Ummi selimat

Creative Sector

F

"The creative sector frequently struggles with a lack of authentic content that genuinely reflects local traditions, values, and heritage. This not only limits cultural representation but also restricts economic opportunities for local creatives. To solve this, Selimat has created a new initiative that is empowering young people with the digital skills needed to create engaging videos, blogs, and social media content. The focus is on producing culturally rich stories that celebrate local traditions and heritage. By equipping youth with these modern tools, Selimat is building a sustainable platform for cultural preservation and promotion. This will create a stronger creative industry, a renewed sense of cultural pride, and economic empowerment as young people turn their digital storytelling skills into viable income streams. "

Aisha Muhammad

Creative Sector

F

"Kwara State boasts a rich cultural heritage where Henna artistry stands out as a vibrant form of body art. Despite its profound cultural significance and income generating potential, this tradition is often underutilized as a modern business. Many traditional Henna designs are at risk of fading due to modernization, and aspiring artists especially young women lack the formal training, platforms, and market access needed to turn their craft into a sustainable livelihood. The informal nature of the industry and its limited reach to larger markets, such as weddings, festivals, and tourism, have left a valuable economic opportunity untapped. To address these challenges, Aisha Muhammed's initiative aims to transform Henna artistry from a traditional craft into a professional, scalable, and recognized industry with significant economic and cultural benefits. The innovation is a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach that begins with training and capacity building. Through workshops, young artists are equipped with advanced Henna techniques, design innovation, and crucial business skills, including hygiene, client management, and marketing. This ensures a professional standard that can compete in a broader market. The initiative also focuses on design innovation, blending traditional indigenous motifs with modern aesthetics to create contemporary, fashionable designs that appeal to diverse audiences. By organizing exhibitions, fashion shows, and social media campaigns, Aisha's project provides artists with the platforms they need to showcase their work and build their brands. By creating a network for artists to share resources and partnering with event planners and tourism agencies, the initiative builds a sustainable demand for Henna services. This empowers young women with the skills to earn income independently, fostering financial independence and self-confidence while positioning Kwara State as a hub for authentic, high-quality Henna artistry. "

Ajike Aminat Adesokan

Creative Sector

F

"Creatives in Africa's burgeoning film and media industries often face significant hurdles, including a lack of structured, collateral-free funding. This challenge creates a ripple effect, as investors are hesitant to back projects due to uncertain returns and unreliable delivery. The market's fragmentation further complicates matters, excluding small funders and making distribution deals delayed and often inaccessible. This unpredictability frequently leads to heavy losses for producers, hindering the growth of the creative sector. To address these deep-seated problems, Ajike has developed SHOOTFUNDER, an innovative platform that revolutionizes how creative projects are funded and distributed. SHOOTFUNDER introduces an equity crowdfunding model with built-in distribution, making it a one-of-a-kind solution. This platform offers low-barrier investing, allowing public investors to contribute as little as ₦1,000. Each campaign is meticulously vetted, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. The innovation lies in its comprehensive approach to both funding and distribution. Beyond just raising capital, SHOOTFUNDER provides creators with internal distribution options like YouTube and CableTV, as well as external pathways to SVOD platforms and cinemas. The platform also features a transparent ROI dashboard, project supervision, and ancillary monetization opportunities through ads and brand integration. This integrated model not only secures funding for creators but also guarantees a clear path to market, giving investors a projected annual return of 30% for internal projects and 30% every two years for external ones. By bridging the gap between creators and investors, SHOOTFUNDER is empowering the African creative industry with a sustainable and transparent ecosystem for growth and success. "

Muhammed fatima Gogata

Creative Sector

F

"Nigerian youth face significant unemployment challenges, a problem exacerbated by a rapidly growing population and a dynamic fashion industry that struggles to meet the rising demand for quality, bespoke apparel. While the Nigerian fashion sector is a multi-billion-dollar industry, a huge gap exists between consumer desire for custom-made, high-quality clothing and the availability of tailors who can deliver on that vision. This leaves a significant portion of the market underserved and a talented youth population without a clear path to employment. Inspired by the inherent beauty and elegance of African women, Fatima Gogata has launched FMB Couture to bridge this gap. Combining exquisite creative designs with sustainable practices and exceptional customer service, Fatima delivers a unique value proposition that sets her brand apart. FMB Couture's core mission is to bring each client’s unique fashion vision to life, from bridal wear and bespoke dresses to ball gowns for babies. Beyond serving clients directly through a direct-to-consumer online platform and retail partnerships, FMB Couture is tackling unemployment head-on. The brand is pioneering a sustainable business model by engaging in training collaborations with key organizations like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Through these partnerships, FMB Couture empowers young Nigerians with the practical skills needed to thrive in the fashion industry, transforming them from job seekers into skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. This integrated approach not only helps FMB Couture capture a share of the burgeoning fashion market but also creates a positive ripple effect, fostering economic growth and empowering a new generation of creative talent "

Zainab Manzuma

Greeneconomy/Recycling

F

"Over 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated annually, contributing to environmental pollution and carbon emissions. This issue is compounded by high unemployment rates, particularly in communities where discarded materials could be repurposed. The fashion industry's linear model has created a significant global problem, and many are unaware that this waste can be a valuable resource. Zainab’s has created a unique solution that tackles both environmental and economic challenges by transforming fashion waste and fabric scraps into valuable products. By reclaiming and redesigning discarded materials, she creates a wide range of new textiles and accessories, including blankets, shoes, headbands, and jewellery. The innovation extends beyond clothing, repurposing fabrics, plastics, and beads into home décor, bedsheets, and other reusable items. Through this process, her solution not only diverts waste from landfills but also creates sustainable jobs. Zainab's model includes community education and awareness programs that empower individuals to view waste as a resource. This approach helps to reduce unemployment and fosters a circular economy that benefits local communities and the environment. By proving that discarded materials can be turned into a source of income and valuable goods, reshaping mindsets and paving the way for a more sustainable future. "

Habeebullahi Shuaib

Creative Sector

M

"While advertising has always been the bedrock of business promotion, a significant barrier has kept many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from accessing its benefits. The prevailing notion that effective advertising requires a large budget has discouraged countless MSMEs from reaching a wider audience and tapping into new customer base. This gap in the market leaves many high-quality products from small businesses unknown to the public, hindering their potential for growth and success. Shuaib has developed a groundbreaking solution to this problem with AdVee-MEs, a startup dedicated to making advertising accessible and affordable for MSMEs. The solution lies in a unique model that leverages the power of social media to provide an initial 14-day free advertising period. This allows small businesses to test the effectiveness of their campaigns without any financial risk. After the trial, the ad services can be renewed on a contract basis, giving MSMEs a flexible and cost-effective way to sustain their market presence. The innovation extends further by creating a robust value chain. AdVee-MEs not only runs ads but also connects MSMEs with available dispatchers, creating new business networks for delivery services and boosting their revenue. In a testament to its commitment to community, the startup also runs weekly free ads promoting girl-child education. AdVee-MEs' vision is to help MSMEs survive competition, achieve their service delivery dreams, and ultimately transform small businesses into bigger enterprises. "

Blessing Bolaji

Creative Sector

F

"Due to a lack of organic and eco-friendly options, the ability of nature to provide healing and support for human physical and mental well-being is diminished. In Kwara State, this problem is compounded by a gap in the market for high-quality, sustainable home fragrances. Existing products often contain synthetic chemicals, which can compromise air quality and fail to deliver the therapeutic benefits of natural aromatherapy. This leaves an untapped revenue stream in an unexpanded geography and a significant need for products that prioritize health and sustainability. To address this Blessing has created a first mover candle making brand in Ilorin, focusing on the production of organic and eco-friendly scented candles. This enterprise is more than just a business; it's a movement dedicated to restoring nature's ability to support health. The innovation lies in providing sustainable products and services across Nigeria, with a special focus on everyday conventional items. The goal is to make lives healthier by promoting healthy breathing and using plant-based resources that aid olfaction to improve general well-being. The brand's products are designed to have a direct, positive impact on both mental health and the environment. These scented candles are effective in bringing human sanity via scent, providing light to the human path, and promoting mindfulness and peace. By prioritizing the sustainability of brain health through mental health and memory, Blessing's offerings serve as a natural remedy for recovery through aromatherapy. They also double as prestige home décor designed to suit various occasions and spaces. The brand is committed to being budget-friendly, ensuring that customers can embark on their sustainability journey without compromising their finances. This approach not only fills a market void but also actively contributes to the well-being of both people and the planet. "

Fiyinfoluwa Olanrewaju

Creative Sector

M

"Businesses in Kwara State face a significant challenge reaching a wider audience beyond their immediate vicinity. Existing advertising content often lacks professional quality, creativity, and the power to truly capture attention, resulting in missed digital opportunities. In today's increasingly visual and digital world, many local businesses are failing to leverage the immense power of video content to connect with potential customers and grow their brands. To bridge this gap, Fiyinfoluwa creates visually stunning and emotionally resonant videos that tell compelling stories. By leveraging professional cinematography and advanced techniques, each video is custom designed to meet the specific marketing goals and brand identity of small businesses in Kwara state. This approach is designed specifically for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors in Kwara state. The solution addresses the urgent need for effective and affordable publicity and customer engagement. As digital consumption continues to grow, the demand for high-quality video content will only increase, making this service a timely and strategic investment. By being locally based, the service also offers a unique understanding of the local market, culture, and business needs, ensuring that every video is not just professional but also deeply relevant to its intended audience. "

Basirat Adebayo

Creative Sector

F

"Unemployment is a persistent challenge in Nigeria, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, who often face significant barriers to economic inclusion. In the footwear industry, there is a distinct gap between expensive imported shoes and poor-quality local alternatives, leaving consumers with limited options. This problem is especially acute in semi-urban communities like Eyenkorin, Kwara State, where there is a high demand for affordable, quality shoes, but a lack of skilled local businesses to meet it. Adebayo Basirat, a physically impaired woman with a strong passion for entrepreneurship, has created Bashbae Footwear to solve this problem. Her solution lies not just in her business model, but in her mission to foster inclusive entrepreneurship. With extensive training in shoemaking and a vision to become a leading brand, Basirat is bridging the market gap by producing affordable, durable, and stylish handcrafted footwear using locally sourced materials. Bashbae Footwear is a shoemaking venture that offers a wide range of products, including men’s leather sandals, women’s stylish slippers, children’s school shoes, and custom-made footwear. Basirat focuses on quality, affordability, and a powerful social mission. As a testament to this, Bashbae Footwear will run apprenticeship programs to train and mentor other young people, especially persons with disabilities, in shoemaking. By creating these opportunities for economic empowerment and self-reliance, Basirat is not only building a successful business but also creating a sustainable platform for job creation and social inclusion. "

Grace Olubiyo

Creative Sector

F

"African filmmakers face a significant hurdle in reaching a global audience due to a lack of professional marketing support. With most creatives operating on tight budgets, high-quality branding and digital campaigns remain largely inaccessible. Despite a global appetite for African stories, visibility and audience engagement are major barriers, preventing talented filmmakers from monetizing their work and building lasting brands. To address this critical gap, Grace created CR8US an affordable, marketing agency tailored specifically for creatives. The innovation of CR8US lies in its understanding of the African market and its commitment to providing scalable, flexible, and culturally relevant marketing strategies. They amplify African stories through powerful branding and digital campaigns, helping filmmakers grow their audiences, monetize their work, and build legacy brands. CR8US's unique approach is built around flexible service packages designed to meet the diverse needs of African creators. They offer Creator-Friendly Retainer Packages with tiered pricing for consistent growth and audience engagement, as well as One-Off Campaigns & Consulting for project-based needs like premieres and music launches. Beyond their core services, they also provide Workshops & Creative Training on topics such as storytelling for digital platforms and monetization, positioning themselves not just as a service provider but as a thought leader and partner in the creative community. This holistic, community-driven approach leverages cultural insight and creative execution to empower African filmmakers and help them thrive in the rapidly growing global creative economy. "

Umar Kawu

Creative Sector

M

"Many local businesses and organizations in Kwara State struggle to effectively reach a wider audience because they rely on low-quality visual content or expensive, out-of-town production teams that lack authentic local context. This results in under documented cultural histories and a missed opportunity to leverage video content, which captures over 80% of online engagement. The absence of a local, professional videography service means that a significant portion of the estimated ₦70 million spent annually on creative content flows out of the state, hindering local economic growth and the preservation of cultural heritage. Umar has created a comprehensive content creation and videography studio in Edu Local Government area in Kwara state, dedicated to solving these problems. The innovation lies in a unique approach that combines cultural depth with modern filmmaking techniques. The studio is committed to producing high quality documentaries and brand films that not only document local histories but also transform them into compelling, cinematic narratives. By offering flexible, affordable packages, the studio makes professional production accessible to local businesses, NGOs, and entrepreneurs, helping them drive marketing initiatives and engage with their target audience more effectively. The studio's work focuses on human centric storytelling by conducting insightful interviews and capturing breathtaking landscape photography to preserve Kwara's rich cultural tapestry. The innovation is further solidified by a commitment to skill transfer for sustainable growth; the studio will offers apprenticeships and workshops to local youth, reducing the community's reliance on external crews, uplifting local businesses and preserving cultural heritage. "

Godwin Okechukwu

Creative Sector

M

"Talented creatives across Africa often face significant barriers to artistic excellence. The primary challenge is a lack of access to affordable hardware and software. Many aspiring artists, filmmakers, and designers are unable to acquire the essential tools needed to enhance their creativity and showcase their work, limiting their potential and hindering the growth of the creative industry. This issue is compounded by the absence of a dedicated marketplace that facilitates connections with clients and fosters collaboration within the creative community. Godwin created Karatek Solutions; an innovative product development startup dedicated to empowering African creatives. The solution lies in its unique, two-pronged approach that provides both hardware and software solutions specifically tailored to the needs and budgets of the African market. Instead of relying on expensive, imported equipment, Karatek Solutions focuses on designing and fabricating its own high-quality, affordable costumes and production tools. This provides artists with the physical infrastructure they need to bring their visions to life. In addition to hardware, Karatek Solutions offers a suite of user-friendly creative production applications for video editing, graphic design, and music production. To complete the ecosystem, it has also developed a dedicated marketplace platform where creatives can showcase their work, connect with clients, and collaborate with peers. By providing a comprehensive suite of tools, from 3D printers and production equipment to digital applications and a collaborative community space, Karatek Solutions is bridging the digital and physical divide. It is equipping creatives with the tools they need to succeed and creating a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem that enables them to monetize their work and build a thriving career. "

Ramat kaka Kpotun

Creative Sector

F

"In Kwara State, the makeup artistry profession is largely confined to a limited scope, with approximately 90% of artists focusing exclusively on occasion based makeup for events like birthdays, weddings, and parties. While this niche is important, it represents a significant, untapped potential for a broader dimension of creativity. This lack of specialization in advanced techniques, specifically Special Makeup Effects (SFX), prevents local talent from meeting global industry standards and fulfilling the diverse needs of sectors like film, theatre, and high-concept photoshoots. Ramat Kpokun created Tashisgnature to pioneer a solution to this problem by introducing and developing Special Makeup Effects (SFX) within the local makeup artistry craft. This solution is in elevates the profession beyond conventional aesthetics by training a new generation of artists in SFX, a crucial element for bringing characters and narratives to life. This specialized skill, as seen in the work of renowned artists on films like Femi Adebayo's ""SEVEN DOORS"", is essential for creating compelling visual experiences and immersing audiences in a story. Ramat’s goal is to provide training and opportunities in this niche field, equipping aspiring talents with the skills that represent the future of the makeup profession. This strategic expansion will not only broaden the horizons of local artists but also position Kwara State's makeup industry at the forefront of creativity and innovation. "

Oluwatoyin Oyedele

Creative Sector

F

"Young women in Kwara State, Nigeria, aspiring to build careers in the fashion industry face a significant barrier: the lack of accessible, structured, and modern training. Over 70% of these aspiring designers are relegated to informal apprenticeship programs with traditional tailors. These programs, which can last up to five years, often lack a formal curriculum, fail to expose students to digital tools, and provide no guidance on how to transform their skills into a viable business. This results in wasted time, unfulfilled potential, and a lost opportunity for economic growth in a country where the fashion sector is a multi-billion-dollar industry. To solve this problem, Oluwatoyin created Quintee’s Fashion Academy, a female-focused fashion design and business training academy which offers an accelerated pathway for young women to build successful careers. Unlike traditional apprenticeships, Quintee's provides a structured, multi-level curriculum that students can complete in a significantly faster timeframe—between two to nine months. The core of Quintee's innovation lies in its integrated approach. Students don't just learn to sew; they are taught how to build and manage a fashion brand, use digital tools for fashion illustration, and leverage social media for marketing. This holistic education is complemented by onsite accommodation, access to a stocked material shop, and hands-on mentorship from industry professionals. Graduates leave with a certificate, a professional portfolio, and the support needed to launch their own labels or secure positions within the fashion industry. By combining technical skills with real world business education and a strong support network, Oluwatoyin offers a faster, smarter, and more empowering route to financial independence and professional recognition. "

Salma Habib Akewusola

Kwara State

F

"In Nigeria's rapidly growing digital media market, with a projected revenue of $1.9 million in 2024, a significant gap exists. Many clients and businesses want quick delivery for their video content but often compromise on quality. Conversely, the youth desire creative, cinematic videos but are often priced out by expensive media production. This problem is compounded by a lack of proper training for female content creators, resulting in their low inclusion in the technical departments of the media industry. This disparity leaves a large number of talented young girls unprepared for the digital world and a massive market opportunity untapped. Stémmatv was founded by two young journalism postgraduates, Salma and her co-founder to fill the void in the creative media sector. The solution provides high-quality, professional video content while simultaneously fostering the next generation of female media professionals. Through Stematv she addresses the market's need for both speed and quality by guaranteeing a 24-hour turnaround on its productions including event coverage, product shoots, skits, and music videos all while maintaining a competitive price. Stémmatv is committed to youth-focused content and training. It is dedicated to teaching young girls between the ages of 16-35 how to ethically and naturally create online content and develop media skills. The training program covers a comprehensive range of topics, including content and scriptwriting, cinematography, video editing, photography, and presenting. By providing this professional training, Stémmatv is not only addressing the lack of female representation in technical media departments but also empowering these young women with the practical skills needed for success in the digital world. "