SME100Nigeria Award 2017: Afrotech girls, Piggy Bank, Tambollo, ZNM Foundation, others win at this year's edition

Nigeria’s fastest growing platform for young entrepreneurs, SME100Nigeria recognises and celebrates 25 Nigerians under the age of 25 doing phenomenal things and contributing to socio-economic development of the country.

The nominee reception and awards ceremony held on Saturday, August 26, at Terra Kulture Arena Victoria Island, Lagos.

The ceremony which was well attended by young entrepreneurs, business managers, innovators, inventors and captains of industries was hosted by Akah Nnani and Seyitan Atigarin.

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Tonye Cole presenting the award to Georgette Monnou, winner of the Creative Writing and Content Creation category at the SME100 25 Under 25 awards 2017

It was an evening of inspiration with words of wisdom and encouragement from Lois Sankey Diamond Bank, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor Trinity House and Mr Tonye Cole, Co-founder Sahara group.

There were also musical performances by Saeon, Jeff Akoh, Ric Hassani and other talented young artists in the Nigerian creative industry.

Emeka Oparah, Head Corporate Communications, Airtel at the SME100 25 Under 25 awards 2017

The keynote speaker was Mr Segun Ogunsanya, CEO Airtel Nigeria epresented by Emeka Oparah, Head Corporate Communications, Airtel who advised young entrepreneurs to continue to strive in their various ventures and employ ethical practices that will set their businesses apart from others.

The Executive Director of SME100 Nigeria, Charles Odii in his welcome address spoke on the goal and aim of the awards. “The goal of this award is to stimulate an entrepreneurial culture among our youths. We identify young people doing phenomenal work across the country, and shine the spotlight on them so that all others can see them and aspire to set up businesses as well.”

Executive Director SME100, Charles Odii at the SME100 25 Under 25 awards 2017

The selection of the finalists was cut down to 100 from 3,500 nominated candidates across the 25 categories of the award. The final 25 winners were decided by the Global Advisory Board of SME100Nigeria based on set down criteria and online voting.

Thompson Reuters West Africa Business Manager, Chuba Ogbue and Deputy Country Head at Deutsche Bank Nigeria, Adeola Azeez presenting the award to the Social Entrepreneurship Category winner, Zayyad Nasidi at the SME100 25 Under 25 awards 2017

See the full list of the award winners below with their names and categories
Maryam Laushi "Not too young to run" - Active Citizenry & Government Engagement
Chibuzo Aloizeuwa (ACE Palace Farms)- Agriculture
Jekein Lato-Unah (Artiste)- Arts, Craft & Culture
Garos Bot (Botz Pretty Looks)- Beauty & Makeup
Georgette Monnou (Unspoken Words)- Creative Writing & Content Creation
AfroTech Girls (Afrotech girls)- Cyber Security & Technology
Abiola Chris-Amusan (Rings Nigeria)- E-Commerce
Omozino Eguh (Yudimy)- Education
Jennifer Uchendu (Susty Vibes)- Energy & Sustainability
Buogo Obi (WoodDesignes)- Environment, Housing & Interior Décor
Chinyere Uzuh (Qwint Perfect)- Event Planning
Desiree Iyama (Desiree Iyama)- Fashion
Joshua Chibueze (PiggyBankNG)- Finance & Fintech
Aliyu Abubakar (QuickShake)- Food
Precious Obiako (Spotlight)- Skincare Health & Skincare
Natalie Obi (Ethereal Olores Co.)- Manufacturing & Logistics
Gidado Shuaib (Youths’ Digest)- Media & Communication
Tuke Morgan- Music
Ebiye- Performing Arts
Rotimi Okungbaye- Photography
Stephanie Eze (Mintville)- Professional Services
Zayyad Nasidi (ZNM Foundation)- Social Entrepreneurship
Omimi Okere (Qontent)- Software & Design
Georgia Oboh- Sport
Sikemi Ifederu (Tambollo)- Tourism & Hospitality