Abuja Investment Company Empowers 600 Young Entrepreneurs, Unveils Winners

The Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) has empowered 600 young entrepreneurs through the 2026 edition of the Abuja Young Entrepreneurs Hunt, with winners emerging in information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture and creative enterprise (fashion).

The initiative, organised in partnership with the Abuja Enterprise Agency, was designed to equip emerging entrepreneurs with mentorship, market access, visibility, and business development support to help them build sustainable enterprises.

Speaking at the event yesterday, the managing director/chief executive officer of AICL, Dr Maureen P. Tamuno, said the programme was created to provide young Nigerians with the right platform to unlock their potential and contribute to economic growth.

Tamuno disclosed that the initiative had attracted about 1,300 applications since its inception, describing the response as a reflection of the entrepreneurial energy among youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She explained that the programme went beyond financial rewards, noting that participants were exposed to industry experts, volunteers and professionals who provided guidance on business expansion, branding, visibility and improved management practices.

“They were given mentorship and the opportunity to learn from experts, volunteers and professionals working in different fields. They were exposed to ideas on visibility and expansion, so we expect increased growth and improved performance in their businesses,” she said.

The AICL chief executive added that beneficiaries of previous editions had continued to receive support through mentorship networks and partnerships established to monitor their progress and address challenges affecting their businesses.

Tamuno also announced that winners of the competition would be showcased at the Abuja International Trade Fair beginning October 7, providing them opportunities to connect with investors, markets and potential partners.

She said the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, job creation, human capital development and entrepreneurship support.

The AICL boss further noted that the programme complemented the efforts of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, in repositioning Abuja through infrastructure development, restoration of the Abuja Master Plan and improved service delivery.

The acting managing director/CEO of Abuja Enterprise Agency, Dr Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, described the initiative as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to building a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of driving innovation and economic transformation.

In her goodwill message, the wife of former Kogi State governor, Hafiza Yahaya Bello, urged beneficiaries to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to building enterprises that would contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Meanwhile, Abdullahi Suleiman, founder of Triple R Recycling Limited, emerged winner of the Creative Enterprise category with an innovation that converts plastic waste into interlocking construction materials.