Osarode Odemwingie emerges winner of the NCF/MTN Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge

Osarode Stephen Odemwingie has emerged as winner of the inaugural Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, a programme aimed at incubating youth-led SMEs that tackle current environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

This was announced by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with MTN Nigeria, in a statement released to newsmen.

The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is part of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge, a joint initiative of MTN Global and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The PachiPanda Challenge was launched to inspire and support innovative solutions addressing pressing environmental challenges across the African continent.

The Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge received 1,643 entries across the 4 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 teeming audience at the pitch presentation event which took place at the MTN Roof Top Event Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, from 4th – 5th November 2024.

Osarode Stephen 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. His 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.

The award ceremony, held at the MTN Roof Top Event Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, saw dignitaries from both the NCF and MTN Nigeria, the judges, and other environmental enthusiasts, celebrating Osarode’s achievement. Speaking at the event, Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of NCF, commended the participants for their creative and innovative ideas aimed at tackling environmental challenges and 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,” he 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 Osarode and all the participants who took part in the PachiPanda Challenge,” remarked MTN Nigeria’s representative, Mrs Adekemi Adisa, General Manager, Sustainability & Shared Values.

As the winner of the PachiPanda Challenge, Osarode received a cash award of N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira). Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel came second and received a cash award of N2,00,000 (Two million naira), while the Sparkwise Initiative Team received a cash prize of N1,500,000 (One million five hundred thousand naira) for the third position. In all, there were three winners with a total prize of N6,500,000 (Six million five hundred thousand naira). Their efforts and accomplishments stand as a testament to the impact that dedicated young individuals can have on the future of Nigeria’s environment.