The Managing Director, Abuja Investments Company Limited, Amb. Maureen Tamuno has said the Abuja Youth Talent Hunt aims to empower participants with skills, rather than just providing handouts.
She stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while declaring open the maiden edition of Abuja Youth Talent Hunt.
The five-phase programme which offers over �6 million in cash prizes alongside access to mentorship, training, and investment opportunities, runs from August 20 to September 24, 2025.
Organised by Abuja Investments Company Limited in partnership with the Abuja Enterprise Agency, the competition targets entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 years.
Ambassador Tamuno said the competition aims to equip young innovators with the skills and resources to transform their business ideas into thriving enterprises.
According to her, the programme focuses on three key sectors: Information Technology, Agriculture, and Creative Enterprise.
Tamuno applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike for his unwavering support of youth empowerment programs, particularly the Abuja Youth Talent Hunt initiative.
She said participants will benefit from business plan training, presentation (pitch) skills coaching, and one-on-one mentorship from seasoned investors and industry leaders, adding that finalists would be presented to high-level business leaders at the Abuja Business Investment Expo, billed for October this year.
Her words: This is an initiative which reflects the future we believe in, a future driven by innovation, entrepreneurship and the boundless creativity of our youth. At AICL, we recognize that investing in young minds is investing in sustainable growth for the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria at large. Today, is not just about competition, but about opportunity to showcase ideas that can transform and be impactful in your business world.
Earlier, the Acting MD/CEO, Abuja Enterprise Agency, Dr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, described the initiative as a timely intervention to address youth unemployment and underemployment in the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that beyond prize money, the Talent Hunt would provide young entrepreneurs with practical exposure to the business ecosystem, linking them with networks that can help scale their innovations.
According to him, the collaboration between Abuja Investments Company Limited and the Abuja Enterprise Agency reflects a shared commitment to nurturing homegrown talents and positioning Abuja as a hub for enterprise development.
He said: We believe this programme will unlock the creativity of our young people, offering them not just visibility but also the technical know-how and connections required to compete globally. It is about building a pipeline of sustainable businesses that will, in turn, generate jobs and wealth for our society.
