Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to homegrown innovation by rewarding winners of the RISE Business Challenge with substantial cash prizes under its Made-in-Naija initiative.
Now in its sixth edition, the Youth Leadership Conference — hosted at the University of Lagos, Akoka — crowned three standout entrepreneurs, awarding:
- N1 million to the 1st place winner
- N750,000 to the 2nd place winner
- N250,000 to the 3rd place winner
 RISE to the Challenge: Empowering the Next Generation
This year’s event, tagged Turning Point 6.0, featured the Resilience, Innovation, Social Responsibility, and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Challenge — a collaborative effort between Union Bank and the conference convener, Mr. Olusegun Odufuwa.
The initiative is tailored to uplift Nigerian youth-led businesses by providing financial support, mentorship, and a competitive platform to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas.
“Union Bank is passionate about supporting Made in Naija and youth-led businesses to scale for sustainable growth,” said Ayokunumi Abraham, Head of SME Banking at Union Bank.
“Our goal is to inspire innovation, drive job creation, and fuel economic opportunities across Nigeria.”
 Innovation Meets Impact
The bank revealed that participants underwent a rigorous selection process. Business proposals were evaluated by a team of experts, with four finalists advancing to pitch live before a panel of judges.
The winners were chosen based on innovation, sustainability, social impact, and financial viability.
 A Commitment to Sustainable Economic Growth
Through initiatives like the RISE Challenge, Union Bank is not only nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youth but also reinforcing its commitment to fostering local enterprise, job creation, and national development.
This is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of Nigerian ingenuity and a launchpad for future leaders building solutions for Africa and the world.
