Winners Emerge from TotalEnergies Startupper of the Year Challenge in Nigeria

Winners have emerged from the 3rd edition of the Startupper of the Year Challenge hosted by TotalEnergies Companies in Nigeria.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

The 3 best winners are Mr. Nonso Opurum: Best Startup under 3 Years (SOSO CARE – A low cost insuretech which aims to use recyclable garbage as a financial resource); Mr. Michael Osumune: Best Business Creation Project (Smart Inverter System Project – A smart inverter system that is used in solar PV installation  for energy conversion process inclusive of wireless internet access and Ai-enabled security surveillance using face and people detection algorithm) and Miss Rebecca Adeosun, Best Female Entrepreneur (oCycle , Organic Cycle) – An Agro  enterprise project that is aimed at curbing food wastage in Nigeria by up-cycling neglected Bio-waste into Bio-food, Bio-fertilizers and Bio-fuel).

They were given a cheque of N5 million each and will also benefit from personalised coaching for the development of their projects as well as increased visibility.

Country Chair, TotalEnergies Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mike Sangster who was represented by the Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria PLC., Mr. Samba Seye reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of the countries in which it operates.

“I believe today in our midst; we have entrepreneurs whose ideas can address some of the economic challenges Nigeria and other countries in Africa face. This is indeed, TotalEnergies vision for the Startupper: supporting young entrepreneurs in Africa to solve Africa’s economic problems.”

The Country Chair remarked that TotalEnergies cannot do it alone and enjoined other corporate organisations and individuals to join in identifying and supporting young entrepreneurs.

Some members of TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited EXCOM and their counterparts from the downstream branch attended the award ceremony. An interactive session was held with the media after the awards during which time the gentlemen of the press addressed some questions to winners, TotalEnergies executives and the lead Juror.

TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited senior management at the ceremony are Executive Director (ED), Strategy Business and Asset Management, Mr. Abiodun Afolabi; ED People and Country Services, Mr. George Oguachuba; ED Corporate Services, Mr. Olatunji Akinwunmi; EGM TotalEnergies Country Services, Mrs. Bunmi Popoola-Mordi; EGM Human Resources, Mrs. Evi Ifekwe; EGM Legal & General Counsel, Yakubu Belgore while their counterpart from downstream are Special Adviser to the MD, Mr. Charles Atiomo; General Manager (GM Operations), Mr. Rabiu AbdulMutalib; GM (Lubricants), Bolaji Fajimi; GM (HSEQ), Muhyideen Nurudeen; GM (Commercial), Weruche Nwagbara and Renewable Explorer, Mr. Hassan Omotayo.

The 3rd edition of the Startupper in Nigeria attracted 4,460 applications with 15 entrepreneurs making the top final. The three winners will be given the opportunity to compete with winners from other 31 countries in Africa while the best three from Africa will represent the continent in Paris-France.