By Emeka Aginam

The Director of Software Engineering, Microsoft Corp, Bambo Sofola, has expressed satisfaction at the zeal and creativity of Nigerian entrepreneurs.

This follows the the number and quality of entries received before the final winners selected for the inaugural class of WINsiders4Good Fellows, part of the Windows Insider Programme.

Sofola who spoke recently in Lagos when Microsoft in partnership with Co-Creation Hub (CCHub) announced the first class of fellows in its Windows Insiders for Good Fellowship programme noted that the global goal of the program is to empower the community of people using technology to make a lasting impact on the world.

It would be recalled that in September, Microsoft and Co-Creation Hub opened their doors to opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs to submit brilliant ideas they believe can be used to positively impact the world we live in.

According to him, “We at the Windows Insider Program and Co-Creation Hub (CCHub) are proud to announce the first ever class of WINsider4Good Fellows. We were excited to select Nigeria as the place to begin this fellowship, and Nigerian entrepreneurs have shown us their creative ideas to positively impact the lives of their fellow Nigerians.”

On the selection process, Sofola said, “We employed careful selection criteria to select our winners here today. Each of the applicants was asked to think deeply about the issues confronting his or her community, the solutions that could address these issues, and the opportunities for the solution to thrive in the market.

“After a thorough consideration in partnership with CCHub, we selected fellows whom we are glad to bolster with our global network, our boot camp and six month fellowship.”

For the Co-Founder ofCCHub, Femi Longe, the future of young Nigerians is in technology. “There is every need to create platforms to help them conquer their future needs and challenges.

He stated that the WINsiders4Good Fellowship will connect Nigerian entrepreneurs to a global community of people like them, prioritize and solve the technical issues that can hinder them from reaching their goal.

“Honestly, it’s been an interesting journey thus far. From the number of entries we received, to the rigour of combing every idea to be sure they align with the purpose the programme aims to achieve. I believe this is an indication that something phenomenal is happening in the Nigeria’s ICT space,” Longe said.

Speaking with excitement, one of the winners, Miracle Samuel, the entrepreneur behind 24/7 Charging Hub,expressed his delight at this opportunity that Microsoft and Co-Creation Hub have given him.

Samuel said, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am glad to have made it into the WInsiders4Good Fellowship in Nigeria. It is an opportunity I will forever cherish and I am looking forward to it.”

These fellows had converged in Lagos early in the month to begin their one week boot camp and six-month engagement with the Windows Insider Program and the Co-Creation Hub, receiving tailored strategic and technical mentor ship along with access to the latest hardware and software from Microsoft.