By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
Microbiologist wins N3m for waste repurposing in MTN PachiPanda challenge
By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
The MTN Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge concluded with Stephen Odemewengie as the winner for his groundbreaking approach to tackling some of Nigeria’s environmental issues.
The challenge attracted 1,643 applicants, ultimately narrowing down to 10 finalists who participated in an intensive, human-centred design sprint.
Each finalist presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges, who evaluated the pitches based on creativity, feasibility, and potential impact on the environment.
When Mr. Odemewengie was announced as the grand prize winner of MTN Nigeria’s PachiPanda Challenge, his excitement was palpable.
For the Microbiologist and Ecologist, this victory was more than just a prize, it was the culmination of years dedicated to exploring innovative ways to convert organic waste into valuable resources.
“The organic materials in this world can be channelled for the betterment of mankind,” he shared with conviction, reflecting on the purpose that has fuelled his career and led him to the challenge.
Mr. Odemewengie’s journey toward sustainable innovation started during his MSc program when he first prototyped his project.
He used human hair, a resource often discarded, burned, or composted in Nigeria to grow mushrooms.
“People were surprised, even shocked, that I would use something from humans to cultivate mushrooms,” he admitted with a chuckle. “But the truth is, human hair is a major waste product here, with tons of it thrown out each year.”
Determined to explore the potential of this neglected resource, he partnered with local barber shops and hair salons to collect hair waste, often facing resistance and suspicion.
“I was chased away, told to leave, even accused of being a ‘yahoo,’” he recalled. Yet, undeterred, he found a few forward-thinking salon owners who supported his vision, allowing him to prove that mushrooms could thrive on a mixture of human hair and sawdust.
The organic materials in this world can be channelled for the betterment of mankind.
Organic waste
Building on the success of his hair-based prototype, Mr Odemewengie expanded his research to test other forms of organic waste, eventually choosing chicken feathers and fruit waste for the PachiPanda Challenge.
These waste materials are prevalent in Benin City, where he grew up, and they frequently pollute land and water systems. “As a microbiologist and ecologist, I wanted to make something useful out of the waste we see everywhere,” he explained.
His solution addresses both land and water waste while creating an eco-friendly food source, showing the potential for sustainable agriculture practices that repurpose otherwise discarded materials.
Winning the challenge has amplified Mr. Odemewengie’s vision for his project. Currently conducting PhD research on biomass reuse at the University of Benin, he hopes to advance his work in converting organic waste to useful resources, now with the confidence that his work can make a difference.
“We have substantial evidence showing that materials like chicken feathers and fruit waste don’t belong in landfills,” he said.
Mr. Odemewengie’s long-term vision stretches far beyond local applications; he envisions his innovations contributing to the sustainability of future extraterrestrial habitats.
“With organisations like NASA exploring lunar and Moon habitation, I believe these ideas can be essential for creating food sources in space,” he shared, contemplating the possibility of growing mushrooms on the Moon or Mars to support future human settlers.
The journey doesn’t end here for Mr. Odemewengie; he will advance to the Pan-African PachiPanda Challenge, where he will compete against other national winners for a chance to scale his solution across the continent.
