Nigeria's creative industry is gaining new momentum, with initiatives like the Mikano Changan Creators Challenge reflecting growing youth innovation and digital platforms in shaping new opportunities for emerging talents.
What started as a foray into social media has become a defining moment for Nigerian content creators, opening up new avenues within the country's burgeoning creative industry.
To support creativity and talent, Mikano Motors recently supported an initiative designed to recognize and invest in Nigeria’s growing community of digital creators.
This challenge was designed with the clear intention of creating a platform where young creators are seen, heard and rewarded for their originality, effort and storytelling.
The creators were tasked with showcasing their creativity and ideas around the Mikanochangan cars. Over the course of several weeks of participation, they expressed their voices, perspectives, and ideas, transforming everyday creativity into meaningful expression.
After a series of intensive selection of winners, the contestants were shortlisted and the winner was selected by a panel of notable judges including Bowie Ugboma, Doris Ogah, Chioma Ude, Joel Heckel, represented by Siam Abdul Kadir and Oluseyi Asuraf Amuwa, whose experience and perspective helped shape a fair and thoughtful selection process.
The grand finale held at the Mikano Motors Showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos brought together Mikano executives, creators, industry leaders, media professionals and notable personalities for a moment that was beyond competition.
Chibundu Victor Chisom emerged as the overall winner and was awarded the grand prize, a brand new Mikano Changan CS35 car, which is not only a win but a recognition of his creative journey.
The vehicle comes with a 6-year warranty and nationwide after-sales support, indicating long-term value and reliability.
In the company's commitment to the creative economy, first runner-up Princess Toni Jessica Omusuku received a cash prize of N3 million, while second runner-up Oluwamayowa Philip received a cash prize of N1.5 million.
Furthermore, the remaining top finalists were each awarded N500,000 in recognition of their dedication, persistence and creative excellence during the challenge.
The event also included a panel session with esteemed voices from the creative and media sector, who shared insights on the importance of fostering creativity, the evolving landscape of digital expression and the role of platforms in creating real opportunities for emerging talent.
Notable personalities from the entertainment and film industry, including Jemima Osunde, Kiki, Rita Dominic and previous challenge winner Patrick The Bassist, were also in attendance along with the 19 shortlisted creators.
Speaking at the event, Sayam Abdul Kadir, National Head of Operations, Mikano Motors, reaffirmed the brand's commitment to empowering the creative ecosystem, emphasizing its belief in the value of creativity as a driving force for growth, expression and opportunity.
Qadir said the main objective of the initiative is to support creators in their creative journey and enable them to grow faster.
This challenge is one of the ways Mikano is making a meaningful contribution to society by investing in people, supporting talent and creating opportunities for creativity to flourish.
It represents the company's commitment to giving back, creating pathways, opening doors and recognizing individuals who are shaping the future through their creativity.
Speaking on the recognition, Chisom expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity, describing the moment as a meaningful recognition of his creativity and a reminder that when given the right platform, creativity can truly open doors.
He further said that Mikano and Changan's support for content creators was instrumental in creating such opportunities and encouraged other creators to be persistent and continue their creative journey.