The Ekiti State Government has congratulated three of its young innovators for emerging winners of the N5 million grand prize at the recently concluded HarabiPay’s Squad Hackathon 2.0, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a statement issued over the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade, praised the trio—Favour Adebayo, Covenant Adeosun, and Samuel Adeyemi—who made up Team Savvy. Their winning project, a fintech solution named “Splitwise”, was described as a shining example of the creativity, skill, and innovation nurtured among Ekiti youth, especially through mentorship opportunities provided by the State’s Startup Garage.
Fakuade highlighted the significance of their achievement, stating it reflects not only their exceptional talent but also the impact of the state’s growing tech ecosystem.
He recalled the inspiring journey of team member Favour Adebayo, who was first discovered in October 2023 at Ekiti State Government College, Ado-Ekiti. Recognizing his potential, the government showcased him at the maiden edition of the Ekiti Innovation Summit, connecting him with industry leaders and valuable learning experiences.
“The early exposure proved pivotal,” Fakuade noted. “Through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Favour was awarded an internship scholarship with the Cybernetiq team at the Ekiti Startup Garage. The professional experience he gained in software development and fintech solutions ultimately contributed to the team’s success at the national hackathon.”
The Commissioner emphasized that the GTB SquadCo Hackathon 2.0 is a prestigious platform where young talents from across the country come together to design tech-driven solutions to real-world challenges. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to continuously supporting young innovators and equipping them with digital skills that align with global trends.
“Governor Biodun Oyebanji is deeply committed to youth development and passionate about technological innovations that can drive progress and transformation,” he said.
Fakuade added that the administration will continue to identify and nurture young talents, inspiring a new generation of tech-driven entrepreneurs while positioning Ekiti as a hub for innovation and digital growth.
