The federal government on Wednesday in Abuja granted N10 million as seed fund to five innovators that emerged winners in the World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) challenge.

The five startup winners emerged among over 800 entries made for the challenge and received N2 million each.

The winners were Muhammed Bature for Schoola Limited, Jeremiah Kuro for Blieu-1 Automations Limited, and Nwachinemere Emeka for Kitovu Technology Company, with an app that allows market access for farmers.

Others included Ajiboye Mayowa, Co-founder of Computer Based Test Nigeria with Education Technology app that provided an easy computer-based testing platform for public servants, students, and more at the comfort of their homes, and Izu Freeman for Capsule company.

Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, while presenting the seed funds to the winners, said, “Today, we are awarding five best startups that participated among over 800 people in the innovation challenge to mark the WCID.

“The federal government through NITDA is giving them the sum of N2 million along with a letter of commendation, and they will also be part of NITDA’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Scheme.”

Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of NITDA, said innovation was the major development force of any nation.

“Innovations, particularly market-creating innovations, have the potential to transform nations and lift them out of poverty.

“Market-creating innovation pulls infrastructure and investments that can transform the economy and create prosperity,” the NITDA boss said.

He added that the telecommunications industry was the most vibrant economic sector on the continent, hence transforming societies and providing jobs to millions of citizens by creating new markets and opportunities.

The WCID challenge organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was part of activities to mark the global day usually celebrated on April 21.

The UN designated April 21 of every year WCID to raise awareness of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development and means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals agenda.