By Anozie Egole

CHIEF Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher, has said that Nigeria’s developmental needs can be met through the creation of innovative products and ideas. Willsher said this at the 2016 edition of the Etisalat prize for innovation held in Lagos recently.  This was as Etisalat announced the winners of the 2016 edition of the Etisalat Prize for Innovation. They include: “OneMedical” who won in the category of  The Most Innovative Product/Service category  and “Dresses by Aloli” who won in the category of    The Most Innovative Idea category.

While congratulating the winners, he said, “With the Etisalat Prize for Innovation, we demonstrate our belief that innovation is timeless and can be found in the most unlikely places, and created by the most unlikely people. We believe that the change Nigeria needs to move forward can be created through innovative products, services and ideas. We are also committed to support the growth of tech startups in Nigeria by creating an enabling environment for collaboration between small businesses and investors,” he said.

The Most Innovative Product and Services category award was won by a team of inventors among whom are Ojeniyi James,   Adegoke Olubusi and Oluwole Gbenga whose entry, “OneMedical”,beat those of other contestants to win the N5 million coveted Prize. In the Most Innovative Idea category, Tobilola Ajibola took home the N2 million prize money for her idea, “Dresses by Aloli”, which was adjudged the most outstanding.