The Mary Ojulari Foundation has significantly boosted Nigeria's entrepreneurial landscape by awarding a total of N50 million in grants to eight exceptional young business founders. This financial injection followed the successful completion of the foundation's intensive two-week Ignite Bootcamp in Lagos, which was part of the second edition of its Vanguard Fellowship Cohort.
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Excellence
The grant announcement came during the Vanguard Fellowship Ignite Bootcamp Awards & Networking Cocktail Night, held on November 21, 2025, at the prestigious J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos. Foundation Founder and President, Mary Ojulari, personally revealed the eight recipients who each received N6.2 million to scale their ventures.
The winning entrepreneurs are:
- Safaya Ikechuckwu
- Oluwakemi Olaniyan
- Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula
- Francis Obanijesu
- Olatunde Omotayo Olufunke
- Victoria Ogwanighie
- Ubok Ameh
- Adebayo Aishat Olajumoke
Unlocking Nigeria's Greatest Asset
During the ceremony, Ojulari passionately articulated the foundation's mission. "Our work is about unlocking potential because potential is Nigeria's greatest asset," she stated. "These entrepreneurs are solving real community problems, creating jobs, and refusing to be limited by circumstance. The Vanguard Fellowship exists to honour that courage while equipping them with the skills and support that can multiply their impact."
The Ignite Bootcamp was delivered in strategic partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and featured a diverse network of leaders from finance, manufacturing, media, healthcare, government, and development agencies. This collaboration ensured fellows gained exposure to practical case studies, strategic mentorship, and invaluable real-world insights.
Building Sustainable Business Ecosystems
The selection process for the second cohort was notably rigorous, prioritizing innovation, community impact, and long-term sustainability. From hundreds of applicants, 50 promising entrepreneurs representing vital sectors including Agro-Processing, Fashion, Manufacturing, Technology, Health, and the Creative industries were admitted into the program.
These participants underwent hands-on training delivered by industry leaders, seasoned operators, and policy experts. Importantly, the foundation's support model ensures fellows continue receiving guidance, market access, and opportunities long after the bootcamp concludes.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Yewande Zaccheaus, Chairman and Founder of Eventful Nigeria Limited, emphasized the critical importance of such initiatives. "Let us design a future where young people are not just job seekers, but job creators," she urged. "To the foundation, I say your work is powerful, your impact is undeniable, even just two years on, and your vision is rewriting destinies."
This latest N50 million commitment continues the foundation's impressive track record of supporting grassroots enterprise development. In the inaugural edition earlier in 2025, the Foundation admitted 50 entrepreneurs into the Vanguard Fellowship Bootcamp, supporting 25 of them with a total of $125,000 in catalytic grants.
