Nigerian Schoolgirls Develop Anti-Kidnapping App, On The Verge Of Winning $960k

Two Nigerian schoolgirls, Chioma Abone and Emmanuela Ilok, have emerged finalists of the 2021 Young Tycoon Business Challenge after presenting a business idea for an app that could tackle kidnapping and abduction in schools.

Chioma and Emmanuela, both students of Greensprings secondary school, said their product will use wearable technology to address the disturbing cases of abduction in Nigeria, especially those involving school children.

While presenting their idea to the Young Tycoon Business panellists, the students explained that their solution is in two folds; an app called Airguard app and a supporting wearable that will help alert family and friends if they are in danger.

“We decided to work on an idea about a company called Paramount Guard, which seeks to offer security services to school students, not only in Nigeria but all over the world. The company plans to introduce AirGuard Wearable, which pairs with the AirGuard App to help students quickly alert family members and friends when in a critical situation or a state of emergency,” they said.

According to the girls, the country's insecurity inspired them because as students, they are worried about the news of the constant abduction of fellow students in some parts of Nigeria.

The Young Tycoon Business Challenge is a competition for High (Secondary) School students who have entrepreneurship ideas. Its aim is to engage aspiring entrepreneurs from across the world and granting them access to mentorship by Silicon Valley leaders.

More than 7,000 participants applied from 80 countries around the world. After three rounds of pitching and developing solid business ideas, 28 finalists have been selected to pitch at a later round.

The winning team will get $960,000 worth of prizes; $10,000 in cash and $950,000 in benefits. They will also participate in workshops Entrepreneurship Clubs of Ivy League Schools.