In a remarkable drive for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development, The 234 Project has completed its 2024 edition of the 234 Impact Tour ’24, which spanned Lagos, Jos, Ibadan, and Abuja.
Through various initiatives, the NGO empowered over 1,000 Nigerian youths, supported young entrepreneurs, and addressed menstrual hygiene challenges for schoolgirls.
Speaking on the tour’s objectives, the Programmes Manager of The 234 Project, Ifeoluwa Oyebisi, stressed the NGO’s mission to equip Nigerian youths with tools, skills, and opportunities to foster leadership and societal progress.
“The vision of this organisation is to transform minds and unlock potential. The 234 Impact Tour covered 1,710 kilometres across four major cities, hosting impactful events that addressed key issues facing Nigerian youth today,” Oyebisi said.
At Jenta Mangoro in Jos, Plateau State, the organisation distributed 200 menstrual sanitary kits to 100 girls as part of the 234 Beyond the Cycle program.
This initiative aimed to promote menstrual hygiene, reduce stigma, and ensure that girls can stay in school without disruptions caused by a lack of sanitary products.
Co-founder, Mobolaji Sokunbi. emphasised the program’s focus on breaking cycles of inequality.
“Our goal is to empower young girls by addressing challenges surrounding menstruation, helping them maintain their confidence and focus on education,” he said.
Also in Jos, the 234 Entrepreneurship and Demo Programme saw 237 applicants vying for the opportunity to showcase their businesses. After a rigorous selection process, 20 entrepreneurs received virtual training, and 12 were chosen to pitch their ventures to a panel of five judges.
Five winners emerged, each receiving a N100,000 grant to scale their businesses.
Sokunbi explained that the grants reflect The 234 Project’s commitment to fostering innovation, creating jobs, and promoting self-reliance among young Nigerians.
The tour’s next stop was Ibadan, where the 234 Alumni Meeting connected co-founders, Akin Akinboro and Mobolaji Sokunbi with past beneficiaries of the NGO’s programs.
The forum assessed progress and strengthened the alumni network, fostering a sense of community and continuity.
“By building a strong alumni network, we hope to inspire a cycle of giving back, where empowered beneficiaries contribute to driving change and mentoring others,” Akinboro said.
At the University of Ibadan, the 234 AI Hackathon Games brought together 40 participants in 10 teams to tackle real-world challenges using artificial intelligence.
Innovations presented included a Road Accident Prevention Tool, an AI-powered Crop Disease Detection Drone, and a Mental Health Support System.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams for their groundbreaking solutions.
“The goal of the 234 AI Hackathon Games is to ignite innovation and foster problem-solving among Nigerian youths by leveraging AI’s transformative power,” Akinboro explained.
The 234 Impact Tour ‘24 concluded with a celebration of the organization’s achievements in empowering Nigerian youth to navigate socio-economic challenges.
“The 234 Impact Tour ‘24 exemplifies our commitment to equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive,” said Oyebisi.