In a presentation ceremony held on the 20th of December, Hugo Obi, Kingsley Ezeani and the founders of Jobberman were named amongst the 16 winners of The Future Awards Africa 2013, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Hugo Obi, 32, won in the science and technology category. According to the organisers, this award is given to a researcher, scientist, innovator, inventor who has distinguished herself or himself and achieved a measurable breakthrough in the field of science and technology.
Hugo founded Maliyo, a casual gaming company that creates African themed content. He has since shuttered that venture and relaunched Save & Buy, a platform that aims to help people finance large purchases by helping them save up.
Also in the running for the same award from nominations in July were Chuka Ofili, Emotu Balogun, Clive Ayonye and Kene Udeze for their joint work on the Open Apps project.
Kingsley Ezeani, 23, picked up his award for ” reaching new frontiers as an innovator, publisher, business owner, entrepreneur, or professional in new media”. Kingsley is the founder of Information Nigeria, one of the most trafficked news and information sites in the country.
“Jobbermen”, Ayodeji Adewunmi (29), Opeyemi Awoyemi (25), and Olalekan Olude (29) were recognised for excellence in “running a business or organisation whose service or work enhances supports or provides solutions for SMEs”.
The technology categories of The Future Awards are focused on encouraging invention and innovation as an emerging industry. Past winners include Gbenga Sesan, Dele Odufuye and Jason Njoku.
