By AKIN YUSUF

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), has begun a special competition tagged “Catch Creativity Challenge’’ for thousands of unemployed youths in Bayelsa and Rivers.

This is contained in a statement issued by the company’s spokesperson, Mrs Chioma Aninwe in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Aninwe said the the Managing Director of PHED, Dr Henry Ajagbawa inaugurated the competition in Yenagoa.

Represented by Aninwe at the event, Ajagbawa said the competition in collaboration with Innovate4Africa sought to promote innovation of individuals and businesses in Africa and beyond.

“The challenge is aimed at giving youths the opportunity to discover and enhance their creative talents by developing innovative products.

“Our partnership with Innovate4Africa is an indication that beyond the distribution of electricity, PHED is determined to empower and improve lives.’’

According to him, the challenge is targeted at youths between the ages of 18 and 35 with intent to empower them.

“Also, we have confidence that this challenge will become a veritable platform to harness the abundance of natural and human resources in the Niger Delta.

“This directly aligns with our new vision to be Nigeria’s number one electricity distribution company through innovation in all of our business,” he said.

The managing director assured of the company’s support to initiatives that seek to empower people in its coverage states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers.

The statement quoted the Chief Operating Officer of Innovate4Africa, Mrs Cynthia Inyang as saying “the best two final entries would win cash prizes of one million naira and N500,000.

She said aside from cash prizes, the organisers would provide free mentorship and legal services, including research and development opportunities to the winners.

“So, the youths in Bayelsa and Rivers states will have the opportunity to embrace innovation and make it part of their lives by working individually or in teams,” Inyang said.

She commended PHED for partnering and sponsoring the challenge. (NAN)

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