In a bold show of support for local entrepreneurship, Union Bank of Nigeria, through its Made In Naija initiative, recently sponsored the RISE Business Challenge at the University of Lagos, Akoka, as part of the 6th Annual Youth Leadership Conference.
The RISE Challenge—an acronym for Resilience, Innovation, Social Responsibility, and Entrepreneurship—formed the highlight of the conference, themed Turning Point 6.0.
The competition is a product of Union Bank’s partnership with Mr. Olusegun Odufuwa, the conference convener, and serves as a platform to empower youth-driven ventures with both financial backing and mentorship.
Designed to strengthen young Nigerians equipped with entrepreneurial potential, the initiative reflects Union Bank’s larger mission to promote ‘Made In Naija’ products and cultivate the next wave of innovators and business leaders.
This mission not only contributes to economic progress but also aims to generate meaningful social impact.
The RISE Challenge seeks to spotlight and reward high-impact business ideas that combine innovation, sustainability, and commercial viability. This year’s selection process was intense, requiring participants to submit proposals for evaluation by seasoned business professionals and judges.
The top four finalists then presented their business pitches live, with winners determined based on creativity, economic value, and the potential to drive positive change.
The top three winners were awarded N1,000,000, N750,000, and N250,000 respectively in support of their ventures.
Speaking at the event, Ayokunumi Abraham, Head SME at Union Bank of Nigeria, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment: “Union Bank is passionate about supporting Made In Naija and youth-led businesses to scale for sustainable growth. We believe this will not only boost and nurture upcoming enterprises but also create a positive ripple effect that will drive employment, innovation, economic opportunity, and access that will empower small and medium businesses across the length and breadth of the country.”
The RISE Conference continues to be a key platform for inspiring and equipping young people with the tools to succeed in today’s dynamic economy. This year’s gathering brought together a vibrant mix of emerging entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, policymakers, and forward-thinking professionals.
Union Bank remains committed to advancing homegrown innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing its role as a trusted ally to Nigerian entrepreneurs driving the nation’s future.
