By Luca Atukpa-Elayo
A Made-in-Jos product, Naruda Herbal Tea, is set to take the story of Plateau innovation to the international stage as it features among 173 Nigerian products selected for the grand finale of the 2026 International NextGen Innovation Challenge in London, United Kingdom.
Produced by Naruda Integrated Ltd., Naruda Herbal Tea is an emerging health and wellness brand based in Jos. The company specialises in the production, processing and packaging of natural teas and beverages through a farm-to-cup model that focuses on health-oriented products made from 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 mandated to promote technology incubation, innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise development in Nigeria.
The challenge was launched in 2025 at Hilton London Bankside and brings together innovators, international investors and technology stakeholders. The 2026 edition began in February with 2,900 entries. Following a rigorous selection process, 296 innovators progressed to the National Showcase held on August 6 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, where Naruda Tea emerged as one of the outstanding innovators.
Naruda Tea is currently produced in five varieties: Zobo Tea, Mint Tea, Moringa Tea, Green Monkey Tea and 3-in-1 Tea, offering consumers a range of locally produced herbal and nutritional beverage options.
Behind the Jos-based enterprise are three young entrepreneurs from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State. The company is led by its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rupert Naantuam Adidi, a Chinese-trained aviation engineer and manager. His sister and co-founder, Mrs. Ruby Petkwap Sallah, serves as Managing Director. She holds a BSc in Mathematics from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and a PGD in Management from the University of Jos.
Her husband, Mr. Brendan Keriaknian Sallah, is the company’s Marketing Director. He is the immediate past Speaker of the Plateau Youth Council and holds 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 is scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Platinum Suite, ExCeL London, in the presence of about 3,000 international delegates.
For Naruda Integrated Ltd., the London showcase represents more than a competition. It provides an opportunity for a product developed in Jos to gain international visibility, connect with potential investors and partners, explore global markets and compete for the £1.5 million grand cash prize.
From locally sourced ingredients in Jos to an international innovation stage in London, Naruda Tea’s journey offers another glimpse of the entrepreneurial potential emerging from Plateau State.
