PachiPanda Challenge Winner Stephen Odemewengie turns organic waste into resources, overcoming resistance to innovate sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.
The MTN Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge concluded with Osarodere Stephen Odemewengie crowned as the winner for his innovative approach to solving Nigeria’s environmental issues. Out of 1,643 applicants, Stephen stood out for his groundbreaking project that repurposes organic waste into valuable resources. His victory reflects years of dedication to sustainable innovation, a journey that started during his MSc program, where he first used human hair to cultivate mushrooms.
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Stephen shared the challenges he faced, recalling instances of resistance and suspicion when collecting hair waste from local barbers and salons. Despite being chased away and even accused of being a “Yahoo boy,” his determination never wavered. Eventually, he found supportive salon owners and proved mushrooms could thrive on a mix of human hair and sawdust. Building on this prototype, he expanded his research to chicken feathers and fruit waste, creating an eco-friendly solution to waste pollution in his hometown of Benin City.
Participating in the PachiPanda Challenge was a transformative experience for Stephen, who described MTN Nigeria’s hospitality as a key factor in his success. The support from the MTN Sustainability team allowed him to focus fully on the challenge, where his solution addressing land and water pollution with sustainable agriculture practices earned him the grand prize.
Currently pursuing a PhD in biomass reuse at the University of Benin, Stephen aims to scale his innovations further. His long-term vision includes using organic waste to create food sources for extraterrestrial habitats, imagining a future where mushrooms grown from waste could sustain life on the Moon or Mars.
Stephen’s story exemplifies the power of persistence and value creation. “If you focus on providing value, opportunities will find you,” he advised, encouraging others to dedicate themselves to helping others and trusting in eventual success.
As the national winner, Stephen will now compete in the Pan-African PachiPanda Challenge, taking his solution to the next level on a continental stage.
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