By Dipo Olowookere
A group known as Rise Networks has collaborated with the Lagos State government to organise a competition for youths in the small and medium enterprises in the state.
A statement issued by the organisers disclosed that the business pitch competition called ‘Local Governments Youth SME Competition’ is for those between the ages of 18 and 40, who will stand the chance to win N50,000 each.
This competition, Rise Networks, Nigeria’s leading social enterprise in youth and educational development, is to inspire and empower youth-led micro businesses in Lagos State.
The competition is also part of activities lined up to celebrate the Lagos Youth Week in commemoration of the UN International Youth Day 2018 and will be held across the 5 Administrative Divisions covering the 20 local government areas of Lagos State namely: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe.
The competition which starts by 10am on August 6 and ends on August 10, will be held in the 5 different divisions of Lagos at the following venues and dates; Ikeja Division comprising Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, Kosofe, Mushin, Alimosho, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu Local Governments will be held on August 6, 2018 at the Agege Stadium.
Badagry Division comprising Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, AJeromi-Ifelodun and Badagry Local Government will be held on August 7, 2018 at Badagry Grammar School.
Ikorodu Division comprising Ikorodu Local Government will be held on August 8, 2018 at the Ikorodu Youth Centre, Ita Elewa.
Lagos Island Division comprising Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere, Apapa and Eti-Osa Local Governments will be held on August 9, 2018 at Rowe Park, Yaba.
Epe Division comprising Epe and Ibeju-Lekki Local Governments will be held on August 10, at the Epe Youth Centre.
Founder of Rise Networks and Social Entrepreneur in Youth Development, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, in a media parley ahead of the event stated that at least 100,000 young people will benefit from the competition.
“The program will cover an entire week across all the 20 Local Governments and 5 divisions of Lagos State, the 5th largest economy and we expect at least 50,000 to 100,000 students, young professionals, young artisans, young traders, graduates of tertiary institutions, young entrepreneurs to participate in the various events lined up for 2018 Lagos Youth Week,” Akerele-Ogunsiji said.
Registrations for the Local Governments Youth SME Competition started from June 30 and will continue till August 3.
To apply, interested persons should send their name, address, their business ideas and a short text stating why they need the N50,000 to 07060545018.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka