Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award Opens Application For Nigerians 2026

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Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award – For young Nigerians carrying strong ideas but lacking the right support system, a major opportunity has officially returned. The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award 2026, widely known as DAAYTA, has opened its application window, once again offering emerging entrepreneurs a chance to receive funding, mentorship, and structured business support.

This is not a casual grant or a publicity-driven competition. Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award is a carefully designed entrepreneurship programme focused on helping young innovators transform meaningful ideas into functional, scalable businesses.

At its core, the award is about impact, sustainability, and long-term growth, not shortcuts or overnight success.

As unemployment, underemployment, and limited access to capital continue to challenge young people across Nigeria, initiatives like Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award are becoming increasingly relevant. The 2026 edition signals ARM’s continued commitment to backing young founders who are willing to solve real problems with practical solutions.

The Story and Purpose Behind Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award was created in memory of Deji Alli, the founding Chief Executive Officer of Asset & Resource Management (ARM). His leadership philosophy was deeply rooted in value creation, responsibility, and empowering people to build lasting systems rather than temporary fixes.

Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award reflects these same principles. It was established to honour his legacy by supporting young Nigerians who demonstrate creativity, discipline, and a clear desire to contribute positively to society through entrepreneurship.

Rather than focusing solely on profit-driven ventures, the award prioritizes ideas that combine business viability with social relevance. Over the years, this approach has positioned Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award as one of Nigeria’s most respected youth-focused entrepreneurship initiatives.

What Makes the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award Different

Many funding opportunities stop at writing cheques. DAAYTA goes much further.

For the 2026 cycle, one outstanding applicant will be selected to receive ₦12 million, spread strategically across a 12-month period. This phased funding structure ensures that the winner remains focused, accountable, and supported throughout the business-building process.

However, the real strength of DAAYTA lies in what comes beyond the money.

Business Structuring and Planning Support

Winners receive hands-on guidance to develop a detailed and realistic business plan. This includes refining the value proposition, understanding target markets, planning operations, and projecting finances accurately.

Professional Entrepreneurship Training

The award includes enrolment in a certificate programme in entrepreneurship at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. This programme exposes participants to practical business education taught by experienced professionals, not abstract theories.

Five-Month Acceleration Experience

Successful applicants also participate in an intensive five-month business acceleration programme hosted at a recognised innovation hub in Lagos. This phase provides access to mentors, peer founders, investors, and industry experts who help sharpen execution and strategy.

Together, these components ensure that DAAYTA winners are not just funded, they are prepared.

Proven Impact: What Past DAAYTA Winners Have Achieved

Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award credibility is strongly backed by the quality of ventures it has supported in previous years. Past recipients have gone on to develop solutions across multiple sectors, including healthcare, clean energy, recycling, environmental management, and technology.

Some notable beneficiaries include:

  • Jennifer Esiaba, founder of Mariam Grey Pharmacy and DAAYTA 2025 recipient, who secured ₦12 million to expand access to quality pharmaceutical services and strengthen healthcare delivery.
  • Rita Idehai, founder of Ecobarter Company and DAAYTA 2024 winner, who is leveraging technology to improve waste collection and promote sustainable recycling practices.
  • Natima Opuiyo, CEO of Natibo Technologies, winner of the 2023 edition, recognised for building innovative tech-driven solutions.
  • Tunde Adeyemi, founder of D-Olivette Enterprise, DAAYTA 2022 winner, known for introducing a biogas biodigester project aimed at promoting clean energy.
  • Tope Idris Sulaimon, CEO of Scrapays Technologies, DAAYTA 2021 winner, focused on transforming waste recycling into a structured business ecosystem.

These stories highlight the award’s broad reach and its willingness to support ideas that address pressing societal needs rather than chasing trends.

Who Should Consider Applying for DAAYTA 2026

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award is open to young Nigerians across the country, regardless of background or location. Students, recent graduates, and early-stage founders are all welcome to apply.

The ideal applicant is someone who:

  • Has a clearly articulated business idea
  • Understands the problem their solution addresses
  • Is passionate about making a positive impact
  • Is willing to learn, adapt, and receive mentorship
  • Sees entrepreneurship as a long-term commitment

DAAYTA is not designed for individuals looking for quick cash or shortcuts. It is meant for founders who are serious about building sustainable ventures that can grow, employ others, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Application Timeline and Submission Details

Applications for the 2026 edition of DAAYTA are to be completed and submitted online via the official VC4A platform, which serves as the only approved submission channel for the programme. Interested applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the platform early to avoid last-minute technical challenges.

The final deadline for all applications is Friday, 12 January 2026. Late submissions will not be considered, so candidates are strongly advised to complete and submit their entries well ahead of the closing date.

Applicants are encouraged to begin their applications early and take time to carefully structure and present their ideas. The selection process places strong emphasis on clarity, originality, feasibility, and potential impact, making it essential for proposals to be well-thought-out and clearly articulated.

For more comprehensive information, including programme guidelines, eligibility requirements, and important updates, applicants should regularly check ARM’s official DAAYTA information page. Reviewing this page thoroughly will help ensure full compliance with all application instructions and improve overall submission quality.

Why the DAAYTA 2026 Edition Is Especially Important

Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape is filled with talent, creativity, and ambition, yet many promising ideas fail due to lack of structure, mentorship, and early-stage funding. Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award directly addresses these gaps.

By combining financial support with education and acceleration, the award helps young founders avoid common mistakes that cause startups to collapse prematurely. It also encourages responsible entrepreneurship, where impact and sustainability are prioritized alongside profit.

At a time when many young Nigerians feel excluded from opportunity, DAAYTA stands as proof that well-thought-out ideas can still receive serious backing.

A Real Opportunity for Serious Young Innovators

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award is more than a grant. It is a development journey designed to equip one outstanding entrepreneur with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to succeed.

For those who have been quietly building ideas, refining solutions, and waiting for the right platform, this could be the opportunity that changes everything. If your vision goes beyond talk and your idea addresses a real need, DAAYTA 2026 is calling.

 

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