De-Rabacon Plastics wins the maiden Shell Outstanding Achievement Prize in the 2018 Shell LiveWIRE Top Ten Innovators Awards.
De-Rabacon Plastics emerged winner in a competition that also saw another Nigerian firm, Alternate Energy Limited, emerge as the second runner-up in the Energy Solutions category to win a $10,000 prize money.
The two Nigerian companies are among the Top Ten Innovators from among 21 entries in a contest, which attracted over 11,000 voters from 102 countries.
According to the General Manager External Relations of Shell Nigeria, Igo Weli:
“This is part of the streak of successes with the Shell Nigeria Live-WIRE programme, coming a year after two of our Nigerian entrepreneurs won in the merit category at the finals in Sierra Leone in 2017.
Being named as one of Shell LiveWIRE’s Top Ten Innovators showcases the innovative entrepreneurial talent that Nigeria is nurturing on the world stage.”
De-Rabacon Plastics is a social enterprise that recycles end-consumer plastics into viable commercial products while Alternate Energy provides solar and wind powered community solutions, including water treatment and off-grid solar farms.
Managing Director of De-Rabacon, Yolo Bakumor Smith upon receiving the honour stated:
“This is a booster to my dreams and I give credit to The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, SPDC, for the opportunity provided to Nigerians to be successful, globally recognised business owners.”
In his response, Managing Director of Alternate Energy Limited, Henry Chikogu, described the award as a motivator not only to him and his company but also to other Shell Nigeria LiveWIRE beneficiaries and to prospective participants in the annual programme.
Both Smith and Chikogu will be joining other winners in Kuching, Malaysia in November for the final awards ceremonies.
Operating in 17 countries, Shell LiveWIRE strengthens local economies across the globe by promoting entrepreneurship and developing entrepreneurs.
Every year the Shell LiveWIRE programme supports thousands of individuals to access the knowledge, skills, networks and resources to turn their innovative business ideas into successful enterprises.
Launched in Nigeria in 2003, the programme helps young people explore the option of starting their own business as a real and viable career option, and provides them with training, finance, and business mentorship.
Shell Nigeria LiveWIRE has produced over 6,500 Niger Delta entrepreneurs most of whom are now employers of labour.
Some of the beneficiaries are also given the opportunity to play in SPDC’s supply chain as vendors and are provided with access to growth capital.
In 2014, a special Shell Nigeria LiveWIRE programme for Ogoni youths was launched, the same year another special edition was launched for Niger Delta Youths with disabilities.
