Shamsudeen Jibril, a 29-year-old prodigy from Kaduna, has been named the Innovator of the Year at the prestigious 30 Under 30 Arewa Stars Award and Conference. The event, held at the Tahir Guest Palace in Kano, celebrated the achievements of young individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields in Northern Nigeria.
Jibril, who specializes in developing handcrafted drones, improvised explosive device (IED) detectors, robotics, and innovative solutions in security, agriculture, and logistics, was recognized for his outstanding work. His creations have not only revolutionized the technological landscape but also have the potential to improve security measures, enhance agricultural practices, and streamline logistical operations.
The award ceremony was organized by Arewa Agenda, owned by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), in collaboration with Daily Nigerian. The event aimed to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of young professionals and individuals who have positively impacted their communities, both in Nigeria and abroad.
Mallam Sule Yau Sule, the Chairman of the occasion, emphasized the importance of recognizing young talents and inspiring the next generation of leaders. He noted the significant impact that young individuals can have in various fields and stressed the need to groom and support them to ensure a prosperous future.
Yushau A. Shuaib, the Chief Host and Managing Director of IMPR, highlighted the undervalued contributions of young individuals from the Arewa region. He emphasized the importance of this event in promoting excellence and honoring the exceptional work done by these role models.
During the ceremony, several other individuals received awards for their remarkable achievements. Pharm Aminu Hashidu Danjuma was recognized for his contributions to the pharmaceutical sector through his innovative venture, Getwell Innovations, while Khadijah Aliyu Ammani won the Humanitarian category for her efforts in raising funds for essential medical care for vulnerable children.
Rabiu Aliyu was honored in the Fintech category for his inventions such as Pruber, an app that helps businesses manage products, sales, and customers. Additionally, Lenos, a source code analyzer for YouTube channels, and Phopis, a resource registry and management system, were applauded for their significant contributions to innovative solutions.
Other winners included individuals from diverse fields such as agriculture, media, ICT, education, politics, event management, hospitality, social activism, real estate, fashion and design, engineering, entrepreneurship, entertainment, photography, sports, and social impact movies.
The event also featured presentations from renowned speakers, including Ismail Bello, founder of the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Hub (YES-Hub), who shared insights on accessing global opportunities. Dr. Musa Sufi from Sufi Innovation and Development Solutions (SIDES) spoke about innovation and development, while Khadija Bawas moderated a panel discussion on leveraging technology for innovation and sustainable development.
The 30 Under 30 Arewa Stars Award and Conference serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of young individuals and inspire others in Northern Nigeria. This recognition is not only a testament to their hard work and dedication but also highlights the potential for growth and advancement in the region.
In a rapidly evolving world, the contributions of these young pioneers are vital for the development and progress of societies. The Arewa region takes pride in nurturing such talent and is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders who will shape the future.
