The Mary Ojulari Foundation, a Nigerian non-profit focused on sustainable development and community empowerment, has awarded $105,000 in investment grants to 21 promising young entrepreneurs. The grant was announced at the inaugural Vanguard Fellowship Awards & Networking Cocktail Party in Lagos.
These entrepreneurs were selected from 50 shortlisted applicants who participated in a two-week intensive "Ignite Bootcamp." The selected beneficiaries, comprising 18 women and three men, include:
* Jidechukwu Nwabueze (Jelapetra Farms Limited)
* Apelehin Oluwatoyin (Inspire Agro Centre)
* Olaleye Rofiat Olayinka (Eco Heroes)
* Hyacinth Orji (QuickWaka)
* Adetutu Olatunji (Two Event and Catering Services)
* Temitayo Oluyege (May Coutures)
* Oyebukola Oyeyemi (Oyecube Farms)
* Nkechi Gift Uzordima (Mush &Green)
* Olatunji Oluwafemi (Efem Studios)
* Chimdiebube Orji (Springsentia)
* Opeyemi Kehinde (Supplya)
* Gracious Obiyan (Ventus TechHub)
* UmmulKhayr Adeleke-Lawal (Ummi’s Nature)
* Asogba Sunday (Sunny Gee Shoe &Leather Work)
* Anne Ogunyomi (LavenderCare)
* Temitope Kareem (HubPharm Africa)
* Imam Aisha Omolola (Tripple A Foods &Spices Mix Enterprises)
* Amaku Nancy Chioma (Chef Nahnah Foods & Confectionery Limited)
* Oluwabukola Shittu (SHEILA SHITTU)
* Anna Odogwu (Smartan House & Non Profit)
Mrs. Mary Ojulari, the foundation's founder, explained that the investment aligns with the foundation's mission to drive grassroots development by fostering innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. Each entrepreneur received \$5,000 to scale their businesses and create value within their communities.
The Vanguard Fellows underwent rigorous training during the bootcamp, covering entrepreneurial mindset, business models, compliance, branding, finance management, sales, risk management, leadership, and pitch-readiness. The program also offered mentorship and business advice.
Dr. Cosmas Maduka, President & CEO of Coscharis Group, served as the keynote speaker and encouraged the beneficiaries to pursue their dreams with courage and determination. He advised them to stay focused, take action, and maintain a positive outlook on Nigeria despite the challenges.
