Itsekiri NextGen Project: 2024 Session 18 Report

• Topic: Elevator Pitching Session
• Date: 18th of May 2024
• Volunteers Present: 7
• Total Number of Attendees: 71
• Timings: 09:00am – 1:00pm
• Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aja-Pessu (Pessu Town), Warri
• Main Topic/Activity: Business Idea Pitching
• Resource Person: Itsekiri NextGen team

Summary

This session focused on pitching business ideas for various craft works previously completed by the teams. Each team presented their unique products.

Session Delivery

The participants arrived with a palpable sense of excitement for the pitching session. Once everyone settled in and the equipment was set up, the session commenced with opening prayers and the Itsekiri anthem. The coordinator reviewed the previous session, praising the participants for their grasp of the UI/UX introduction. A special presentation was made by Eworitsemogha Wyse, awarding Emmanuel with a school bag for his outstanding performance in the last session.

Each volunteer assisted their assigned team in final preparations before the pitching began. Due to the absence of the guest judges, Omatsola Okpeayaghan and Eworitsemogha Wyse stepped in as impromptu judges. A ballot system determined the presentation order.

• Team Olu Atuwatse II was the first to pitch, presenting bookmarks and bookshelves. They showcased their products as practical solutions for keeping books safe and tidy, emphasizing the convenience of bookmarks over folding pages.
• Team Olu Ikenwoli followed, displaying their tie and dye fabrics. They highlighted the durability and colourfastness of their fabrics, suitable for various occasions.
• Team Olu Erejuwa II showcased an array of handmade beads. They confidently assured the judges of their ability to promptly meet customer demands and highlighted their products’ affordability.
• Team Olu Ginuwa II presented last, focusing on Ankara bags and slippers. They emphasized their use of quality African fabrics and bespoke designs, showcasing samples and photo displays of their work. They mentioned their nationwide delivery capabilities and their active presence on social media platforms, providing contact details and their website address.

After each presentation, the judges, volunteers, and coordinator asked questions, which the presenters addressed. For particularly challenging questions, the teams requested time to confer before providing answers.

The session concluded with awards for the top two teams: Team Olu Ginuwa II and Team Olu Ikenwoli, who received lovely water bottles as prizes.

Overall, the session was a valuable experience, allowing participants to develop and showcase their entrepreneurial skills.

Volunteers

• Debi Amadedon
• Emmanuel Egbe
• Jolomi Tedeye
• Weyinmi Igbineweka
• Omatsola Okpeayaghan
• Eworitsemogha Wyse
• Itse Mirabel Ukubeyinje

Other Key Activities During the Session

Participants sketched their ideas for the design of the Itsekiri website, contributing meaningful suggestions.

What Went Wrong

There were technical issues with the live streaming.