The Emmanuel Ivorgba Center, with support from Rotary Club for Global Action has today, Friday August 18, 2023, announced winners of the 6th Young Business Leaders Award Program. The four finalists were selected from a two hundred and fifty entries submitted from 1st January to 1st May 2023. The four finalists are two females and two males. The finalists will each receive a cash award of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) and six months mentoring support. Meet the finalists below:
Ehi Precious Okpe is a dynamic entrepreneur with an unwavering passion for luxury fashion and a keen eye for style. With a strong commitment to quality and authenticity, Ehi is the driving force behind the vision and success of Pure Lux Accessories, a luxury accessories retailer poised to redefine the fashion landscape in Nigeria. Drawing from a diverse background in business management and a deep-rooted appreciation for luxury craftsmanship, Precious embarked on a journey to establish Pure Lux Accessories as a true haven for discerning fashion enthusiasts. Her expertise extends beyond the realms of luxury fashion, encompassing a holistic approach to sustainable business practices. With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a wealth of industry insights, Patience is committed to creating a business that not only indulges the senses but also contributes positively to the environment and community. As the CEO of Pure Lux Accessories, patience envisions a future where luxury accessories transcend mere adornments and become a gateway to self-expression and empowerment.
Christopher Abednego holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the National Teachers Institute, Kaduna, and an Msc. degree in Soil and Water Management from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He hails from Karim Lamido LGA of Taraba State, Nigeria. His Hobies include Scientific discoveries, sporting and tourism. Christopher has passion for business and with the little capital, he ventured into rice parboiling, milling and packaging. The Chris Rice Mill Limited is conceptualized with the sole aim of producing better, clear and durable parboiled paddy rice. He has volunteered and contributed to humanitarian activities in diverse areas including health, environment, education etc.
Charles Umeh is the Executive Director of Parkers Mobile Clinic. He holds MBBS and Msc degrees and has 6 years’ experience as a health entrepreneur. He has won notable awards in the past including the Edinburgh university postgraduate scholarship award. He also a nominee for the National Physicians Award in 2022. Charles Umeh is the founder of Parkers Mobile Clinic, a social enterprise which strengthens healthcare services delivery for vulnerable populations in Southern Nigeria. The Clinic currently operational in South-East and South- South, providing services delivery model, direct community-based health services delivery and partnership with the government and international organizations. Parkers Mobile Clinic has impacted positively on the health of over 200,000 people through targeted healthcare interventions and partnership with the Government and other international organizations (Such as Vitamin Angels, Goethe Institute, Commonwealth Youth Council, FEM, Medical Aid Films).
Peace Joseph Maren is a resourceful youth with a strong work ethic and a breadth of experience in tailoring and fashion design. She is currently a student of English Education at the University of Jos. Peace is founder of OYI Fashion and Training Institute (OFTI)- a Tailoring and Fashion Institute business that trains, produces and sells self-designed African – native dresses and clothes. OFTI is a private Vocational Training Centre which mainly focuses on providing Vocational Education Training primarily to the marginalized and those affected by violent conflicts, including secondary school dropouts, in Plateau State. The Institute also targets students who completed formal education but lack the skills to secure jobs.