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By Luca Atukpa-Elayo

Another Made-in-Jos product will feature among 173 Nigerian products at the grand finale of the International 2026 NextGen Innovation Challenge in London, United Kingdom.

Naruda Herbal Tea, a product of Naruda Integrated Ltd., is an emerging health and wellness brand based in Jos. The company specializes in the production, processing and packaging of natural teas and beverages, using a farm-to-cup model that prioritizes health focused products made from 100% locally sourced natural ingredients.

The NextGen Innovation Challenge is an initiative of the UKALD in partnership with the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) – an agency under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, with the mandate of promoting technology incubation, innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise development in Nigeria.

Launched in 2025 at Hilton London Bankside, the Challenge brings together international investors and technology stakeholders. The 2026 edition commenced in February with 2,900 entries. After a rigorous selection process, only 296 innovators advanced to the National Showcase held on August 6th at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, where Naruda Tea emerged as one of the outstanding innovators.

Naruda Tea comes in five nutritional and medicinal varieties: Zobo Tea, Mint Tea, Moringa Tea, Green Monkey Tea and 3-in-1 Tea.

The company, Naruda Integrated Ltd., is managed by three young entrepreneurs from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State. They are the Founder and CEO, Mr. Rupert Naantuam Adidi, a highly skilled Chinese-trained Aviation Engineer and Manager; his sister and Co-founder/Managing Director, Mrs. Ruby Petkwap Sallah, an industrious and passionate entrepreneur who holds a BSc in Mathematics from the Federal University of Technology, Minna and a PGD in Management from the University of Jos; and her husband, Mr. Brendan Keriaknian Sallah, the immediate past Speaker of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), who serves as Marketing Director. He is a skilled marketer with a Diploma in Business Education from Plateau State Polytechnic and a B.Ed in Administration and Planning from the University of Jos.

The grand finale, scheduled for Friday, 9th October, 2026 at the Platinum Suite, ExCeL London, will hold in the presence of 3,000 international delegates. It will offer Naruda unprecedented international exposure, potential investment opportunities, partnerships, access to global markets, and a chance to win the grand cash prize of £1.5 million.

Shooting Stars midfielder Qamar Adegoke has expressed his appreciation to the club’s supporters following the Oluyole Warriors’ goalless draw against Kano Pillars in the rescheduled Matchday 3 fixture of the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League.

Sports247 reports that the encounter, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, ended 0–0 as Shooting Stars were unable to convert their home advantage into maximum points.

Despite the frustrating result, Adegoke acknowledged the unwavering support of the club’s fans, praising them for standing by the team through every moment of the campaign.

“To our fans who continue to stand with us, your support means everything.”

The midfielder further stressed the importance of the supporters to the team, appreciating their continued presence and encouragement regardless of the outcome on the pitch.

“Through every moment, you’ve been there, and we truly appreciate you.”

Shooting Stars came into the fixture looking to return to winning ways after being held to another goalless draw by Nasarawa United in their previous home league outing.

However, Kano Pillars proved difficult to break down as both sides battled for supremacy without finding the decisive goal.

For Adegoke, the result will undoubtedly leave the team wanting more, but his message to the supporters underlined the importance of maintaining unity as the season progresses.

The midfielder concluded his message with a rallying call for the team and its supporters to remain together and continue working towards their objectives.

“Together, we keep pushing.”

The Oluyole Warriors will now turn their attention to their next assignment, with the team hoping to build on the positives from the fixture and end their run of home draws.

For Adegoke and his teammates, the backing of the Shooting Stars faithful remains a crucial source of motivation as they continue their EuroMatch NPFL campaign.