MTN Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to youth innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting a creative and innovation-driven platform, “The Gathering on 100,” with over ₦45 million in funding for emerging ventures.
The announcement was made in Lagos during the closing activities of the youth-focused programme, which brought together thousands of participants.
“The Gathering on 100” is a youth-led cultural and creative initiative designed to unite young people for a continuous 100-hour experience of collaboration, self-expression, and idea development.
Speaking on the initiative, MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola said the investment reflects the company’s long-term strategy of empowering young innovators and supporting youth-led enterprises.
He noted that there is significant untapped potential among Nigerian youths, adding that MTN’s focus is to provide platforms, tools, and resources that enable them to succeed rather than control their creativity.
Toriola explained that the project aligns with the company’s broader “Year of the Youth” programme, which promotes entrepreneurship, creativity, and national development among young people.
He described the initiative as part of a wider effort to position MTN within Nigeria’s growing digital and creative economy, stressing that young people are already shaping new ways of building communities and opportunities.
According to him, the platform is expected to expand beyond Lagos, with plans to establish a nationwide network of youth innovation spaces.
He added that the future of the country would be shaped largely by the creativity and ambition of its young population, making it important to create enabling environments for them.
MTN Chief Marketing Officer Onyinye Emeka-Ikenna also highlighted the importance of supporting youth-led initiatives, noting that many young Nigerians now create their own platforms rather than wait for opportunities.
She said the company remains committed to backing projects that allow young people to express themselves, collaborate, and develop their potential.
One of the co-creators, Matthias Kupoluyi, described the concept as an open, interactive space where young people can freely explore ideas, connect with others, and access opportunities without barriers such as funding or exposure.
The 100-hour experience, which ran from April 22 to April 26 in Lagos, featured creative hubs including podcast studios, gaming zones, fashion showcases, innovation labs, and live performances.
Beyond creative engagement, the programme also included a funding component, with ₦45 million awarded to eight startups and ideas selected from 30 finalists.
Hurpham Africa, led by Sesan Kareem, received the top prize of ₦15 million along with partnership and development support. Coconoto Ltd. placed second with ₦10 million, while Rava Send, led by Emmanuel Isaka, received ₦5 million.
Five other startups—URI Social, Dulces Jams, Kindly Book, Africa Medical Marketplace, and MyFund—each received ₦3 million to support expansion.
Participants took part in pitch sessions, discussions, and collaborative activities spanning technology, artificial intelligence, fintech, agriculture, and education.
Organisers said the initiative also created networking opportunities, allowing participants to form partnerships and gain visibility within Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem.