After months of rigorous screening and search, Etisalat has announced the winners of the 2016 edition of the Etisalat Prize for Innovation. They are “OneMedical” for the Most Innovative Product/Service category and “Dresses by Aloli” for the Most Innovative Idea category.
Already, the company has presented prizes to the winners at an awards ceremony which held in Lagos by the Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher and with support from the Director General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) Dr. Dan Azumi Mohammed Ibrahim and the Chief Executive Officer, MainOne, Funke Opeke.
While congratulating the winners, Mr. Willsher, said that Etisalat Prize for Innovation is a demonstration of the company’s belief that Nigeria’s developmental needs can be met through the creation of innovative products and ideas.
He said “With the Etisalat Prize for Innovation, we demonstrate our belief that innovation is timeless and can be found in the most unlikely places, and created by the most unlikely people. We believe that the change Nigeria needs to move forward can be created through innovative products, services and ideas”.
Etisalat boss reiterated Etisalat’s commitment to support the growth of Tech Startups by creating an enabling environment for collaboration between the small businesses and investors.
The Most Innovative Product and Services category award was won by a team of inventors among whom are Ojeniyi James, Adegoke Olubusi and Oluwole Gbenga whose entry, “OneMedical,” beat those of other contestants to win the N5 million coveted Prize.
In the Most Innovative Idea category, Tobilola Ajibola took home the N2 million prize money forher idea, “Dresses by Aloli”, which was adjudged the most outstanding.
Reacting after receiving the award for the Most Innovative Product and Service, Ojeniyi James thanked Etisalat for the opportunity to be part of history. He noted that the country is ripe for innovations that can help create sustainable development.
Etisalat Prize for Innovation was created in 2012 to discover and celebrate innovative products and ideas that can help drive broadband utilization in the country. It also highlights the revolutionary impact of innovation and technology as it addresses social challenges in the country.
Through the Prize, Etisalat has discovered and empowered a number of young creative Nigerian entrepreneurs by giving them the opportunity to showcase innovative products, services and ideas that address specific problems in the society and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic growth.
