Copyright businessday
Pearl Ubani, a young Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of a local lip gloss brand, has emerged winner of the 10th edition of ‘The Betano Next Titan’, taking home the N40 million star prize after weeks of intense competition. At the grand finale held in Lagos, Ubani outshone three other top finalists, Shirley Echendu, Precious Agala, and Stephanie Ejikeonye, to claim the coveted title. Hope Bankole, who also made it to the semi-final stage, was eliminated just before the final round. The Next Titan, now sponsored by Betano, is one of Nigeria’s longest-running entrepreneurial reality TV shows, designed to identify and empower ambitious young business leaders through rigorous business training, mentorship, and real-world challenges. Ubani’s pitch, centered on a thriving lip gloss beauty brand made from locally sourced ingredients, captivated both judges and audience alike. Her vision, she said, was to redefine beauty for African women through affordable, quality, and eco-friendly cosmetics that empower self-confidence and celebrate natural beauty. The judges’ panel featured some of Nigeria’s most respected business leaders, including Mr. Kyari Bukar, chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG); Mr. Tonye Cole, chief executive officer of Sahara Group; Mr. Chris Parkes, chairman/CEO of CPMS Africa and Mrs. Lilian Olubi, CEO of Primera Africa Securities Limited. After an intensive final boardroom session, the panel described Ubani’s idea as unique, specific, and dependable, praising her for her clarity of purpose, brand positioning, and practical scalability. Other finalists also showcased innovative concepts spanning education, technology, and women’s hygiene. Shirley Echendu presented an education model inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy aimed at expanding her preschool and primary education business. Stephanie Ejikeonye pitched a tech-driven legal services platform connecting lawyers and clients. Precious Agala unveiled a portable hygiene kit for women, designed for comfort and convenience with essential sanitary items. Hope Bankole, who narrowly missed the final cut, introduced an innovative locust bean condiment with improved packaging that eliminates the traditional odour challenge. While commending their creativity, the judges urged contestants to strengthen their documentation, branding, and compliance strategies for long-term business sustainability. Speaking after her victory, Ubani expressed gratitude to the organisers and sponsors, describing the win as a dream come true. She said the N40 million prize would be invested in expanding her production capacity, improving packaging, and reaching new markets across Nigeria and beyond. Mr. Mide Akinlaja, executive producer of The Next Titan, applauded the contestants and judges for sustaining the quality and competitive spirit of the show over a decade. “The Next Titan remains a deliberate platform to nurture young entrepreneurs, inspire creativity, and build confidence among Nigeria’s youth. Over the years, our alumni have continued to grow impactful ventures that create jobs and value across sectors,” Akinlaja said. Since its inception, The Next Titan has evolved into a key platform for youth empowerment, offering contestants a blend of reality TV exposure and practical entrepreneurship training. With the backing of corporate sponsors like Betano, the show continues to highlight the innovative spirit driving Nigeria’s next generation of business leaders. For Ubani, whose locally inspired lip gloss line reflects the fusion of culture, confidence, and commerce, the N40 million win marks not just a personal triumph but a resounding statement about the potential of Nigeria’s youth to transform local ideas into global brands.
