Oyekunle Michael, a computer science graduate from Interlink Polytechnic, has received a non-refundable $5,000 (over N7 million) seed grant from businessman Tony Elumelu three years after he invented a fuel-free generator....Read Full Article >>➤
The young man, whose parents are separated, told Legit.ng exclusively that he got the grant after being selected by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). Tony Elumelu Foundation grant winner opens up: The Oyo state indigene said he felt honoured and blessed to be selected for the grant, noting that he had first applied for it in 2021. In his words:
“I feel great and honoured especially coming from Mr Tony O. Elumelu, under TEF. TOE is one of Africa’s leading investors and philanthropists, the real joy is when your business and innovation, is been recognised and interest is shown by someone like Mr Tony O. Elumelu. He is highly respected and recognised all over the world. In short, I feel honoured and blessed.”
According to Oyekunle, it came as a surprise to him that he was elected as his aim was to partake in the intensive business management training after he was rejected in 2021. He expressed gratitude to Elumelu and the CEO of the businessman’s foundation for the opportunity.
“Honestly, I never thought I would be selected, my major aim and target is to undergo intensive Business Management Training because my first attempt was in the year I think 2021, was not selected then.
“Now I have great working innovation and a mini factory and needed more Business Management Training to aid me in becoming a great and better Entrepreneur, on my journey, but boom, in the end, I was shortlisted to receive a non-refundable seed grant of $5000 to scale up my business.
“Honestly it’s a great boost for me and my unique innovation. Many thanks to Mr Tony Elumelu and TEF CEO Somachi Chris-Asoluka for this great opportunity.”
Tony Elumelu Foundation grant winner on standing out
When quizzed about how he stood out from the large number of applicants, Oyekunle, who used to ride okada for a living, said he has no idea.
“I don’t know how the judges score in the energy and power creation category though, but I guess probably our innovative fuel-free generator is unique and first of its kind, different from the existing traditional alternative power supplies.”
Tony Elumelu Foundation grant winner on future plans
Legit.ng asked Oyekunle what he intends to do with the seed grant he won and the innovator expressed the desire of himself and his team to be revolutionary game changers.
He added that he would work towards making it accessible to low-income earners and down to every individual, home and office regardless of income level.
“We’re committed to making our revolutionary game changer fuel-free generator technology accessible to low-income earners.
“We’re exploring various strategies, focused on energy access. Our goal is to ensure that every individual, home, office, regardless of income level, has access to our reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions.”
He noted that his invention is eco-friendly and does not emit carbon monoxide ...Read Full Article >>➤
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