On Thursday, 16 November 2023, Taoheed Oyewo, a LAUTECH Mechanical Engineering graduate, won the NYSC-WEMA Bank(ALAT) Copreneurship Business Plan competition, with a monetary prize of N800,000, at NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Shagamu, Ogun State.
The Copreneurship Business Plan, is targeted towards fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of Corps members. Amongst the 10 platoons at the NYSC camp, 3 qualified representatives participated for the competitions.
Oyewo’s project was a modified pit-latrine system that addressed water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges with its innovative features. It offers a cost-effective solution to open defecation, targeting a 70% reduction by 2030. The inclusive design enhances accessibility, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals like SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG-3(Good health and well-being), SDG-15(Life on Land).
Oyewo came out as the first position with a grand prize of N800,000, followed by Oluyanwo Mojolaoluwa, the second position, with a prize of N700,000, and Faith Onyinyechi, occupied the third position with a prize of N600,000, while Joy Ilabija took the fourth slot with a prize of N200,000.
The Group Head of Wema Bank in Ogun State, Mr. Abiodun Folorunso, at the final of the program, emphasized the competition’s role in motivating youth with entrepreneurial aspirations. He urged them to use the grants judiciously.
In his closing statements, Folorunso encouraged the winners and participants to channel the same passion and dedication into their post-service year endeavors. He highlighted the importance of learning from challenges and expressed optimism about the transformative impact these ventures could have on the community and economy.
