The Mary Ojulari Foundation has made a significant investment in Nigeria's future by awarding N50 million in grants to eight exceptional young entrepreneurs. This generous funding comes as part of the foundation's ongoing commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment across the nation.
Celebrating Innovation at Lagos Awards Ceremony
The announcement was made during the Vanguard Fellowship Ignite Bootcamp Awards & Networking Cocktail Night on Friday, November 21, 2025. The prestigious event took place at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos. Mary Ojulari, the Founder and President of the foundation, personally revealed the grant recipients to an audience of business leaders and community stakeholders.
All eight entrepreneurs had successfully completed the foundation's intensive two-week Ignite Bootcamp in Lagos and were participants in the second edition of the Vanguard Fellowship Cohort. This comprehensive program is designed to equip young business leaders with the skills needed to build scalable and resilient enterprises.
Meet the Grant Recipients
The eight talented individuals who received the fellowship grants represent some of Nigeria's most promising business talent. The winners include Safaya Ikechuckwu, Oluwakemi Olaniyan, Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula, Francis Obanijesu, Olatunde Omotayo Olufunke, Victoria Ogwanighie, Ubok Ameh and Adebayo Aishat Olajumoke.
Each fellow will receive N6,250,000 to invest in their business ventures. This substantial financial support is expected to accelerate their growth and increase their positive impact on local communities.
Unlocking Nigeria's Greatest Asset
During the ceremony, Mary Ojulari emphasized the foundation's mission to empower young Nigerians with essential tools, networks, and capital. She stated that their work focuses on "unlocking potential because potential is Nigeria's greatest asset."
Ojulari praised the entrepreneurs for their dedication to solving real community problems and creating employment opportunities. "These entrepreneurs are solving real community problems, creating jobs, and refusing to be limited by circumstance," she noted. "The Vanguard Fellowship exists to honour that courage while equipping them with the skills and support that can multiply their impact."
The Mary Ojulari Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Nigeria. Through initiatives like the Vanguard Fellowship and Ignite Bootcamp, the organization provides crucial support to the next generation of business leaders who are poised to drive positive change across the country.
