Channels TV lines up business show


By Content Nigeria reporter
September 8, 2023

News

Independent Nigerian broadcaster Channels TV has teamed up with Lagos production company Lighthouse Television & Filmworks for a new business competition show titled Fund It Forward.

Neil Oyenekan

The show was conceived by executive producer Zemmy Momoh, who also serves as director of corporate social responsibility and social impact programming at the broadcaster’s parent company, Channels Media Group, and Lighthouse Television & Filmworks MD Neil Oyenekan.

Its primary objective is to empower young business leaders and activate their social enterprise ideas. Oyenekan (The Justice Court) is the showrunner and Channels Media Group owns the format.

Seeking to find answers to questions surrounding impact-driven business models in Nigeria, the show will put 12 young social entrepreneurs to the test as they compete in a series of challenges designed to elevate but also evaluate their budding social enterprises. Week after week, they must balance their business acumen with their commitment to making a positive difference.

In these challenges, participants will undergo a journey mirroring the real-world phases of establishing a purpose-driven enterprise. Spanning eight rigorous elimination rounds, participants must persuade a panel of experienced judges that they possess the exceptional blend of creativity, passion and business acumen required for success.

They will compete for the opportunity to secure substantial grant funding of up to N30m (US$38,000) and mentorship from established social entrepreneurs.

Motivated Nigerians aged between 20 and 35 with early-stage social enterprise ventures and who are passionate about changing Nigeria for the better can apply for a chance to take their start-up to the next level. To register, click here.

Momoh said: “Nigeria has one of the world’s largest youth populations, with about 70% of the country’s population being under 30. Here we have a huge potential economic driver, if we can just tap into the entrepreneurial and problem-solving spirit that is so evident in young Nigerians.

“Channels Media Group has social impact and empowerment in its very DNA, so we wanted to play our part in motivating the youth in an entertaining but informative way. We thought why not give young, mission-driven entrepreneurs a real helping hand and educate and inspire our viewers on the ins and outs of socially motivated business at the same time?”

“Fund It Forward is an interesting twist on business TV formats,” added Oyenekan. “I do feel quite proud of this new creation.”

The show will premiere on Channels TV in October.