Young Innovators Dazzle At LCCI Hackathon With Bold Tech Solutions For Nigeria’s Future
By TOSI ORE
IN a vibrant display of innovation and creativity, young Nigerian technologists and entrepreneurs gathered in Lagos on Thursday for the maiden edition of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Young Business Leaders Group (YBLG) Hackathon, where cutting-edge ideas for a smarter and more sustainable future took center stage.
Held under the theme “Tech for Tomorrow,” the event brought together students, start-up founders, and emerging professionals to develop technology-driven solutions to real-world business and social challenges. The hackathon took place at Fajemirokun Hall, Commerce House, Victoria Island, drawing an enthusiastic audience from across Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Building Tomorrow’s Tech Entrepreneurs
Teams of young innovators worked collaboratively to design prototypes and pitch their solutions before a panel of judges made up of industry experts, academics, and technology leaders.
Chairman of YBLG, Mr. Abiodun Olawale-Cole, said the hackathon was conceived as a platform to nurture the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs and help position them to influence the country’s future business and technology landscape.
“We believe in creating an ecosystem that empowers young innovators to turn ideas into impactful enterprises,” Olawale-Cole stated.
“If Nigeria must remain competitive in the global digital economy, we need to build a strong, consistent pipeline of creative thinkers and problem-solvers.”
He added that the initiative was part of LCCI’s broader goal of fostering collaboration, innovation, and social impact through technology-driven entrepreneurship.
Judges Praise Ingenuity and Drive
Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Oranos Technologies, Mr. Segun Maghelemi, lauded the participants’ performance, saying their intelligence and adaptability reflected the “boundless potential of Nigerian youth.”
He noted that Nigeria’s financial technology (fintech) sector had already demonstrated how innovation can flourish despite challenges, often outperforming even advanced economies in terms of digital efficiency and adoption.
However, Maghelemi warned that persistent security challenges and economic uncertainty continue to constrain innovation, urging the government to create an enabling environment for young creators.
“Innovation thrives where safety, policy stability, and opportunity exist,” he said. “If young people feel secure and supported, they can transform this nation through technology.”
Maghelemi emphasized that hackathons play a vital role in boosting confidence and transforming ideas into scalable ventures, adding that several global startups began from such competitions.
LCCI’s Commitment to Youth and Innovation
Director-General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to promoting youth-led innovation as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic development.
She said the hackathon represented more than a competition — it was a bridge between talent and opportunity, where ideas could evolve into tangible solutions for industries.
“The creativity we’ve seen today is remarkable,” Almona said. “But it must not end on the drawing board. We will continue to connect these innovators with the private sector so that their solutions can be deployed to solve real problems in Nigeria’s economy.”
Students, Startups, and Cash Prizes
Participants included students from institutions like Caleb University, who showcased projects addressing issues ranging from digital payments to agricultural efficiency, health tech, and sustainability.
Judges evaluated entries based on creativity, impact potential, scalability, and technical execution, while also providing mentorship and feedback to refine the solutions.
The top three teams received cash prizes of ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦100,000 respectively, alongside incubation support and business development resources to help bring their projects to market.
A Growing Platform for Nigeria’s Digital Future
Organisers described the hackathon as a milestone for the LCCI, reflecting its renewed focus on empowering the next generation of business and technology leaders.
They confirmed that the hackathon will now become an annual fixture on the chamber’s innovation calendar, serving as a launchpad for young talent and helping to strengthen Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
Participants left inspired, describing the event as “transformational” and “a rare chance to collaborate with professionals and mentors who believe in the power of youth innovation.”
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, initiatives like the LCCI Hackathon are being hailed as critical engines for creativity, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth — ensuring that the voices and visions of young innovators shape the nation’s future.
