It was a competitive and exciting atmosphere as the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) South-west Incubation Centre held its 2022 Incubatees Exhibition and Competition event.
The programme, which took place at the Lagos office on March 9, 2022 had incubatees from various study centres within the South-west zone participating as they presented business ideas, plans while showcasing their products.
It was a stiff competition, with products ranging from already made kids clothes, hand-crafted bags, locally made fabrics, cakes of different designs, liquid soap, packaged T-shirts and handy toilet disinfectants.
All products displayed were made from locally sourced materials, in line with the centre's stand on encouraging proudly made in Nigeria brands.
Present at the competition as judges were the Directors of Mushin, Lagos and Apapa Study Centres: Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Ogunlela, Dr. (Mrs.) Alero Akujobi and Dr. (Mrs.) Ofe Inua, respectively, who assessed the participants as they took turns in their presentations.
The directors, while commenting on the presentations, agreed that packaging of the products is crucial, a well-packaged product draws in customers to make enquiries and ultimately make a purchase.
The coordinator of the centre, Dr. Sam Awolumate briefed the participants and guests on the reason for such an event, saying that the idea was to help students add value to themselves and society, by charging them to be creative in their approach to solving problems.
The event also aimed at making it known to the world the entrepreneurial capabilities of the students.
The Principal Assistant Registrar of the centre, Mrs. Christiana Uzoukwu, while speaking with NOUN News said the programme was targeted at encouraging student-preneurs in the university so they can compete favourably with their counterparts in other institutions and even after they leave school.
She noted that competitions and exhibitions like this will take place in the centre periodically to aid students in better fine-tuning their crafts and creating brands that can stand out in the global marketplace.
In total, nine incubatees competed; they are: Utheh Christine Jumbo, Imagulaya Joy Omosigho, Esther Solomon, Ogenna Gladys Igwilo, Edith Iyabo Rachael, Ogunniyi Folakemi Bernice, Adelakun Abosede and Howells Olusegun Adedeji.
Ogenna Gladys Igwilo emerged as the winner, polling 57% of the votes from the judges.
She made beautifully designed handbags and kettle cakes and, therefore, will be representing the South-west Incubation Centre at the zonal/national competition coming up later in the year.
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