Three outstanding young entrepreneurs have emerged as winners of The Phoenix Den, Nigeria’s finest creative learning platform, which is proud to announce them.
Awardees that were singled out for special recognition include Eric Nwanso, creator of an online platform promoting indigenous language and culture for Nigerian teens and adults, Olukoya Benjamin, founder of Shoggyben Visuals, and Dawn Nketim-Rex, founder of The Film Joint. The Access Bank Headquarters in Oniru, Lagos, hosted a panel of judges on September 4, 2024, during which ten finalists presented their ideas. The judges then chose the winners.
A portion of the panel interacting with the attendees at The Phoenix Den. An amount of ₦1.5 million would be generously granted to each recipient. Along with financial support, the awardees will also get access to a network of industry experts and mentorship to help steer the growth of their businesses. One such resource is The Emerging Business arm of Access Bank, which will work directly with the recipients to provide them with all the support they need to succeed as entrepreneurs. Among the advantages at their disposal are low-interest business loans, customized advisory services, and business consultations through the Access SME business clinic that are intended for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
In April 2022, The Phoenix Project was established to offer guidance and assistance to people who want to start a business or pursue a profession in Nigeria’s creative economy. With collaboration with the Pan-Atlantic University School of Media and Communication, the three-tiered curriculum consists of a three-month incubation program dubbed Phoenix Den at the Nest Innovation Tech Park, as well as basic (virtual), intermediate, and advanced (physical) sessions. Akintomide Aluko, Deborah Ukpanah, Olukoya Benjamin, Tosin Jones, Temitope Mary Odo, Eric Nwanso, Peace Monday, Alankwanso, and Deborah Ukpanah are among the ten finalists competing in the event.
At The Phoenix Project’s Phoenix Den, one of the grantees, Dawn Nketim-Rex of The Film Joint, pitched his business proposal to the panel of judges.
Colette Otusheso, CEO of Accelerate Group, said in a statement on the initiative that the Phoenix project is still a true venue for showcasing artistic abilities. “Creative talent in Nigeria has always had a platform to flourish because to The Phoenix Project. Offering financial assistance to these bright entrepreneurs who are poised to make a significant influence on the industry, we are honored to carry on this legacy.” Apart from providing monetary assistance, the Phoenix Project is committed to developing creative potential in Nigeria by means of focused instruction, initiatives to enhance capacity, and the promotion of a robust feeling of community.
We think that by making investments in these sectors, we can develop a thriving and long-lasting creative industry,” the speaker stated. Chioma Ogwo, Head of Non-Financial Services at Access Bank Plc, emphasized in her remarks the value of assisting Nigeria’s creative sector. “At Access Bank, we value developing talent, particularly that which is committed to advancing Nigeria’s creative sector. The Phoenix Project offers the ideal framework for realizing that goal. We are happy to help small and medium-sized enterprises as a member of this movement. We give people access to capital, education, and a support system of like-minded business owners,” the speaker stated.
In addition, writer and director Tosin Jones received a special honor for his social impact short film at the event. He took a laptop home with him, and Accelerate Studios will provide more resources to finish his short film, such sound design and editing assistance. The judges on the panel are: Orimolade Oluwamuyemi Alexander, CEO of Imaginarium Marketing Communications; Jay Chukwuemeka, COO/Executive Creative Director of Imaginarium Marketing Communications; Chioma Ogwo, Head of Non-Financial Services and Emerging Businesses, Access Bank Plc; Osayi Alile, CEO of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation; and Olamide Olabisi, Founder/President of Konamii Africa.
Concerning the Phoenix Project, Nigeria’s young people have the opportunity to develop their creative potential through The Phoenix Project, an engaging learning platform. The program, developed by Accelerate and supported by Access Bank, intends to close the current gap in the creative sector and provide people the tools they need to be successful. By utilizing the wealth of creative resources at its disposal to empower young people in the creative industry, The Phoenix Project seeks to assist the Nigerian government in its endeavor to combat youth unemployment in Nigeria over the course of the next five years.
Twelve knowledge domains are covered in the project, including Social Media for Business, Entertainment Law, Brand Promotion, Graphic Design, Influencer Marketing, Film Introduction, Scriptwriting, Business of Vlogging, Songwriting, Film Production, Business of Entertainment, and Business of Fashion.
