By Vivian Ahanmisi
Some young innovators in Lagos on Thursday showcased emerging technology solutions as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Young Business Leaders Group hosted its maiden hackathon.
The competition, with the theme ‘Tech for Tomorrow’, brought together students, entrepreneurs and young professionals to design smart, safe and sustainable ideas tackling social and business challenges.
Held at Fajemirokun Hall, Commerce House, Victoria Island, the event marked a significant step in the chamber’s efforts to empower young innovators and promote digital transformation.
Participants worked in teams, developing prototypes and pitching concepts to judges drawn from industry, technology and academia.
Chairman of YBLG, Mr Abiodun Olawale-Cole, said the hackathon was created to help nurture future entrepreneurs and potentially produce Nigeria’s next major technology success.
He said the group aimed to position young people to influence the nation’s business landscape through fresh ideas and practical problem-solving.
According to him, building a strong pipeline of young innovators is vital for Nigeria to remain competitive in the global tech economy.
Mr Olawale-Cole explained that the initiative also promotes collaboration among professionals while encouraging social impact through technology-driven solutions.
Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Oranos Technologies, Mr Segun Maghelemi, commended the participants, noting that Nigerian youths possess strong intelligence and resilience, giving them an edge globally.
He said Nigeria’s financial services sector has already proven the nation’s capabilities, outperforming some systems in Europe and the United States in terms of innovation and efficiency.
However, he stressed that insecurity remains a major impediment to innovation, saying young people must feel safe to create, explore and develop technology.
Mr Maghelemi expressed optimism about ongoing government reforms, saying improved economic policies could boost productivity and enhance investor confidence.
He added that hackathons boost confidence, encourage experimentation and help turn ideas into products that can scale into successful ventures.
Director-General of LCCI, Dr Chinyere Almona, said the chamber intends to continue supporting youthful creativity as part of its mission to strengthen Nigeria’s business ecosystem.
She noted that platforms like the hackathon help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, making it easier for young innovators to solve real-world problems.
Almona said solutions created by participants should not end on the drawing board but be adopted by businesses and industries across Nigeria.
Students from institutions such as Caleb University took part, applying technological skills to analyse and solve business challenges presented by organisers.
Judges evaluated the projects based on creativity, impact, scalability and technical execution, offering feedback and mentorship to the teams.
Cash prizes of ₦500,000, ₦300,000 and ₦100,000 were set for first, second and third positions, alongside support packages to help finalists scale their ideas.
Organisers said the hackathon underscored LCCI’s commitment to cultivating future business leaders capable of driving innovation and advancing Nigeria’s economic development.
They added that the event would become an annual fixture, creating a pipeline of young talent and strengthening the country’s innovation culture.
Participants described the experience as inspiring and transformational, saying it provided a rare opportunity to test ideas and receive expert guidance.
The inaugural edition closed with calls for more corporate partnerships, government support and investment in Nigeria’s youth innovation ecosystem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
