UBEC N5.18bn education intervention launched to improve schools, boost retention, and reduce out-of-school children across Nigeria

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The Abuja Investments Company Limited has launched the second edition of the Abuja Young Entrepreneurs Hunt Competition in partnership with the Abuja Enterprise Agency, targeting innovators aged 18 to 40 years across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, AEA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, said the initiative builds on the success of its maiden edition and is aimed at expanding opportunities for young Nigerians in key sectors.

According to him, the application portal, www.Ayehunt.com, opened at midnight and will remain accessible to eligible applicants, with the programme widely publicised media platforms.

He described the competition as a strategic platform to tackle youth unemployment by promoting creativity, innovation, and enterprise development among graduates and skilled youths.

He added that meaningful economic growth requires deliberate investment in human capital alongside infrastructure.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe noted that the 2026 programme will focus on three priority areas—Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Creative Industries, particularly Fashion, and Agriculture.

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of AICL, Amb.  Maureen Tamuno PhD represented by Chief Investment Officer Abiodun Akanbi, described the partnership as a forward-looking investment in the FCT’s economic future.

According to her, the programme is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and funding opportunities needed to transform ideas into viable businesses.

She added that the initiative will provide participants access to business development support and opportunities to pitch their ideas to investors, noting that such platforms are critical to building sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Tamuno also highlighted improvements in the FCT’s business climate, citing its rise in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)rankings from 31st to 4th position as evidence of ongoing reforms.

The event featured a testimonial from Fatima Bello Suleiman, first runner-up of the inaugural edition, who credited the programme with boosting her confidence and opening new professional opportunities.

Organisers urged eligible youths to apply, assuring that the competition will be transparent, impactful, and transformative

SMEDAN promotes the ICSS entrepreneurship programme to support MSMEs in Nigeria, improve access to finance, and strengthen business growth through structured training

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