No fewer than 108 youths, small business owners, and creatives have received a total of N44.35 million in financial support from NUGI Technologies Nigeria Ltd. and the Ugi Augustine Ugi (UAU) Foundation.
The Chief Executive Officer of NUGI Technologies, Ajoke Akinlabi, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos, noting that the support was awarded following a video challenge organized during the recent Carnival Calabar as part of the organizations’ 10th anniversary celebrations.
Akinlabi explained that the largest initiative, the Carnival Calabar Video Challenge, saw N18 million disbursed to 45 winners after evaluating about 80 video entries submitted by young creators. Five participants received N1 million each, 20 winners got N500,000 each, and another 20 received N150,000 each.
She said the program aimed to support young creatives and amplify the global visibility of Africa’s largest street party. The collaboration with NUGI Technologies reflects a model that combines commercial excellence with social responsibility, demonstrating how indigenous innovation can uplift communities and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and content creators.
Akinlabi added that the initiative goes beyond recognition, providing tangible financial support to youths pursuing creative and digital careers while contributing to building Africa’s digital future, powering national-level systems, and transforming government revenue.