Union Bank Champions Youth Empowerment with 'Made In Naija' RISE Business Challenge

Union Bank Champions Youth Empowerment with 'Made In Naija' RISE Business Challenge

L-R: Ayokunnumi Abraham, Head, SME Segments, Union Bank of Nigeria, Ruth Ogbodu, 3rd place winner, Yemisi Otokiti, 1st place winner, Olanrewaju Amodu, 2nd place winner, Chinenye Ekwulugo, alpher Experience Manager, Union Bank of Nigeria, Ebunoluwa Amusan, Brand Sponsorship and Partnership, Union Bank of Nigeria and Olusegun Odufuwa, Convener, Youth Leadership Conference, during the RISE Business Challenge sponsored by Union Bank of Nigeria held recently at the University of Lagos, Akoka.

Lagos, Nigeria — As part of its continued commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and promoting homegrown businesses, Union Bank of Nigeria has sponsored the 2025 edition of the RISE Business Challenge at the University of Lagos, Akoka. The initiative, held during the 6th Annual Youth Leadership Conference themed Turning Point 6.0, aligns with the bank’s broader Made In Naija campaign to support youth-led enterprises.

The RISE Challenge—short for Resilience, Innovation, Social Responsibility, and Entrepreneurship—is a strategic collaboration between Union Bank and the conference convener, Mr. Olusegun Odufuwa. It seeks to identify and support the most promising business ideas from young Nigerians through financial backing and mentorship opportunities.

Designed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, the initiative helps participants sharpen their business acumen while contributing to Nigeria’s economic development through innovation and sustainability.

Participants submitted detailed business proposals, which were reviewed by a team of expert judges. The top four finalists then pitched their ideas live at the event. Winners were selected based on innovation, potential social impact, business viability, and long-term sustainability.

The top three finalists were awarded cash prizes of:

• N1,000,000 for First Place

• N750,000 for Second Place

• N250,000 for Third Place

Speaking at the event, Ayokunumi Abraham, Head of SME Banking at Union Bank, reiterated the institution's commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Nigerian youth.

“Union Bank is passionate about supporting Made In Naija and youth-led businesses to scale for sustainable growth. We believe this will not only nurture upcoming enterprises but also spark job creation, innovation, and expanded access to economic opportunities across the country,” he said.

The RISE Conference continues to serve as a vital platform for young professionals, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and business leaders, equipping them with tools to lead in a dynamic global economy while fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility.

Union Bank reaffirmed its pledge to remain a key enabler of Nigerian entrepreneurship, supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and empower the country’s future business leaders.