In Nigeria, we face different issues everyday that bring the phrase ‘suffering and smiling’ from Fela’s famous song to mind. With a growing population, we are putting pressure on already stretched resources and public services. These, plus inadequate policies and poor governance, result in a country that does not meet its people’s needs.

However we, citizens, can create ideas that can start to resolve many of these issues without waiting for the government to get its act together. That is exactly why Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) has launched a Call for Ideas.

Through the Call for Ideas, we want to find and encourage the development of homegrown solutions for REAL Nigerian problems in six key areas; Governance, Transportation, Healthcare, Education, Food Security and the Environment. You can see more of the detailed focus in each sector at www.socialchangelab.org. Over the next couple of weeks we will be unpacking these focus areas, right here on the CcHub blog, to give you more inspiration and insights.

We are looking for practical ideas that will be developed to become sustainable and marketable solutions making a difference. No idea is too basic and all ideas are welcome from a simple solution to a fully matured business plan. All we ask is for willingness to do the work required to bring the idea to life.

By submitting an idea you have the opportunity to access up to $25,000 in investment as well as networks and market entry support.

But that is not the end. Once your idea is selected the idea will be taken apart, questioned, tested and brought back together to ensure it is robust and can be effectively implemented and scaled. The feasibility of the solution and your passion in executing will help us help you to build a world-class enterprise around your idea through the CcHub Incubation programme

So what next? Apply!

If you have an idea, small or big, tell us about it by going to www.socialchangelab.org. The deadline for the first cycle ends on Friday 14, December 2014.

Don’t wait till it is too late; your idea could be the next big thing that Nigeria needs.