A Nigerian graduate who went viral for building a fuelless generator, Oyekunle Michael, has received a $5,000 (N7.5 million) grant from Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu.
The young man, who shared how he got the money, built the generator after 15 failed attempts and 13 years of trying.
According to Legit.ng, the Polytechnic graduate and Oyo State indigene said he felt honoured and blessed to be selected for the grant. He noted that he had first applied for it in 2021.
His words: “I feel great and honoured, especially coming from Mr Tony O. Elumelu, under TEF. TOE is one of Africa’s leading investors and philanthropists; the real joy is when your business and innovation are recognised, and interest is shown by someone like Mr Tony O. Elumelu. He is highly respected and recognised all over the world. In short, I feel honoured and blessed.”
According to Oyekunle, it came as a surprise to him that he was elected, as his aim was to partake in the intensive business management training after he was rejected in 2021.
He expressed gratitude to Elumelu and the CEO of the businessman’s foundation for the opportunity.
“Honestly, I never thought I would be selected. My major aim and target is to undergo intensive Business Management Training because my first attempt in the year, I think 2021, was not selected then.
“Now I have great working innovation and a mini factory, and I needed more Business Management Training to aid me in becoming a great and better Entrepreneur, on my journey, but boom, in the end, I was shortlisted to receive a non-refundable seed grant of $5000 to scale up my business.”
“Honestly, it’s a great boost for me and my unique innovation. Many thanks to Mr Tony Elumelu and TEF CEO Somachi Chris-Asoluka for this great opportunity.”
When quizzed about how he stood out from the large number of applicants, Oyekunle, who used to ride okada for a living, said he had no idea.
How did the $5,000 grant winner stand out?
I don’t know how the judges score in the energy and power creation category, but I guess probably our innovative fuel-free generator is unique and first of its kind, different from the existing traditional alternative power supplies.”
Oyekunle’s plan for the grant and the fuel-free generator
When asked what Oyekunle intends to do with the seed grant, the innovator expressed the desire of himself and his team to be revolutionary game-changers.
He added that he would work towards making it accessible to low-income earners and down to every individual, home and office, regardless of income level.
“We’re committed to making our revolutionary game-changer fuel-free generator technology accessible to low-income earners.
“We’re exploring various strategies focused on energy access. Our goal is to ensure that every individual, home, and office, regardless of income level, has access to our reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions.”
He noted that his invention is eco-friendly and does not emit carbon monoxide. Fuelless generator inventor rejects relocation offers.
