MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and its local partner, the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), has announce the winners of the 2024 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.
Osarode Stephen Odemwingie has been recognized for his innovative approach involving a biorefinery that utilizes waste from fruits, vegetables, and chicken feathers. This solution not only tackles waste management issues but also creates employment opportunities for youth in the organic waste recycling and mushroom farming sectors.
By transforming what is often considered waste into valuable resources, he produces nutrient-rich supplements known as “Organo-brine” and “Organo-sludge” to enhance mushroom cultivation.
This solution was chosen for its impact on multiple levels. Locally, it diverts organic waste from burning and landfills, reducing environmental harm while providing job opportunities in mushroom farming for young people. Nationally and internationally, the approach contributes to sustainable agriculture, improving food security by producing nutritious mushrooms and addressing waste management challenges in a scalable, environmentally friendly manner. He will now represent Nigeria at the prestigious Africa-wide PachiPanda finals in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Out of 1,643 submissions for the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge, a shortlist of the top 10 finalists was given the opportunity to pitch their groundbreaking ideas and solutions to industry experts and a panel of judges at the 3-day pitch event held in MTN’s Head Office in Lagos from November 4-6, 2024.
At the end of the pitch event, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners emerged and were rewarded with 3,000,000, 2,000,000 and 1,500,000 Naira prize money, respectively, for their innovative solutions. Team Sparkwise Initiative (Ebenezer Otito Anyadiegwu, Julius Oluwaleke and Egbeyale Omobonike) came third with household appliances fabrication from E-Waste, while Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel came second with the reusable menstrual products solutions.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “Osarode’s biorefinery exemplifies the incredible potential of young minds to drive positive change. His dedication to tackling waste management challenges and unemployment is truly inspiring. We are confident he will make Nigeria proud on the continental stage.”
Dr Joseph Onoja, Director-General, NCF, said, “The ingenuity and potential impact of the fruit/vegetable waste and chicken feathers powered biorefinery is remarkable. Osarode has demonstrated a deep understanding of the environmental issue and has developed a solution that is not only innovative but also practical and scalable. We are excited to see how he fares at the Africa finals.”
The Africa-wide finals will bring together the top teams from across the continent, providing a platform to showcase their solutions to a distinguished panel of industry experts and investors. The ultimate winner will receive a grand prize and comprehensive support to scale their innovation and maximise its impact.
For further information and updates on Osarode Stephen Odemwingie’s journey and the Africa PachiPanda Challenge, please follow MTN Nigeria’s social media channels, visit www.mtn.ng or contact the Sustainability and Shared Value Team, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc at sustainability.ng@mtn.com.