Etisalat recently rewarded two winners of its 2016 edition of prize for innovation competition with N7 million naira cash.
The recipients are OneMedical, a solution that digitises medical records that are instantly accessible to all healthcare facilities and professionals on demand, was awarded for the Most Innovative Product/Service category, and Dresses by Aloli, a Nigerian online clothing store that offers stylish, functional and very affordable ready to wear clothes and personalised couture services for ladies, was awarded the Most Innovative Idea category.
Matthew Willsher, CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, gave the prizes to the winners at the award ceremony held in Lagos with support from DanAzumi Mohammed Ibrahim, director general, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), and Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne.
While congratulating the winners, Willsher, said 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.
“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,” he said.
Willsher also said that Etisalat is committed 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 who 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 won N2 million for her idea, “Dresses by Aloli”, which was adjudged the most outstanding.
In his reaction 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 utilisation 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.
Jumoke Akiyode
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