By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To celebrate this year’s International MSME Day, a leading media organization for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the continent, MSME Africa, has rewarded small business owners $25,000 in media credit.
The beneficiaries were named on June 27 in the Top 50 Remarkable Founders 2023, a statement authorized by the publisher of the respected media platform, Mr Seye Olurotimi, said.
“This is our way of celebrating these amazing individuals who are putting in the work, demonstrating grit and resilience and contributing immensely to the economy,” Mr Olurotimi said.
“At MSME Africa, we are quite passionate about MSMEs and do all we can to build the capacities of MSME Operators and celebrate them.
“We have decided to award each of the 50 Remarkable MSME Founder media credits worth $500, which makes a total of $25,000 in media credit that we are doling out,” he explained.
The company emphasized that it was rewarding the business owners in recognition of their “dedication and commitment to the growth of their enterprises and the MSME ecosystem.”
“We are delighted to be celebrating them today. We wish them continued success in their endeavours. Congratulations and Happy International MSME Day!” it added.
See the list below:
Adanne Uche: Ady’s Agro Processing Limited
Adanne Uche is the Founder/CEO of Ady’s Agro Processing Limited, formerly known as Ady’s Food Mart, a food processing and packaging business based in Lagos, Nigeria, that is focused on providing families with healthier cooking ingredients in Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world where African dishes are appreciated. Having had two failed businesses, she founded Ady’s in 2016 from her kitchen with no structure, creating a now globally recognized brand that empowers and motivates both the young and old generations. She is a seasoned and resilient entrepreneur who, despite the harsh business terrain, has stood the test of time. Adanne is a graduate of Foreign Languages and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt.
Abidemi Biodun-Oladoye: Precision Edge Limited
Abidemi Biodun-Oladoye is the driving force behind Precision Edge Limited- a global brand for research and marketing solutions established by seasoned professionals with strong research and marketing backgrounds in response to emerging global needs offering global experience and an unbeatable understanding of the Nigerian market to help you grow your brand in your targeted market. She is a member of the European Society of Marketing Research (ESOMAR), the Pan African Marketing Research Organization (PAMRO), and the Nigeria Marketing Research Association (NIMRA). I have attended several trainings in the areas of quantitative and qualitative research, soft skills, sales, and marketing, both locally and internationally. She is an accredited and qualified Mentor for VC4A, WIMBIZ, and the Fate Foundation.
Binta Badmus: Bintabadmus Lady
Binta Badmus is a driven and results-oriented Entrepreneur and the founder of Binta Badmus Lady. She has six years of experience in the modest fashion industry as a Founder and Business Analyst at Binta Badmus Lady, where she has led initiatives that resulted in remarkable 165% revenue growth through the implementation of data-driven strategies. She has been selected as one of the Top 100 female entrepreneurs by Richest Woman in Africa, awarded an Excellence Masters International scholarship by the Petroleum Development Technology Fund, and is the recipient of the Faculty’s Student Entrepreneur Award. She was also recently shortlisted as one of the top 12 Entrepreneurs in the Fashionomics Accelerator Program across Africa by the Africa Development Bank. She is a graduate of Civil Engineering from the University of Ilorin.
Chioma Ukpabi: Skill Up With Kahdsole (SUWK)
Chioma Ukpabi is a social and creative entrepreneur and founder of Skill-Up With Kahdsole, a fashion tech company that provides underprivileged youths, especially women and incarcerated inmates, with skills in garment making, shoemaking, bag making, and other valuable fashion skills to help them become economically inclusive in the community. She has won several other awards, such as 25 Under 25 in Manufacturing, 30 Under 30 CEOs in Nigeria, Under 30 Sustainable Solution Provider, Top 20 Social Impact Women in Africa, Top 100 Global Women in Entrepreneurship, and Wonder Woman. She recently emerged as one of the 2022 Top Outstanding Young Persons In Nigeria by JCI for Entrepreneurship, Economic, and Business Achievement and was also on Season 9 of The Next Titan Entrepreneurial Reality TV Show for game-changing entrepreneurs. A Communication Arts graduate of Bowen University and a mentor/coach on several platforms like Donors for Africa x Meta, WIA 54, & MicroMentors. Alumni of Lagos Business School, Enterprise Development Centre, She Leads Africa HGCP, Keystone Startup Advantage Accelerator Programme, ELOY SEP AmyGrace Foundation Programme, BIF Accelerator Programme, and Strategic Solutions-LeadHership
Nelliah Paulser: Graphic House Zim
Nelly Paulser is an Events Branding Designer and the co-founder of a graphic design, printing, branding, and events business in Zimbabwe called Graphic House Zim. She is passionate about women in business and committed to making an impact on local community schools -both urban and rural—through the use of design and print tools at her disposal in a bid to build a safer and more peaceful learning environment for all African Children in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She is an Alumni of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs, a Geneza School of Design Scholar, a recipient of a Tony Elumelu Foundation grant, one of the 503 African Women Entrepreneur Finalists selected by Women In Africa for training and mentorship, and now a UPG Biashara Candidate – Class of 2023. She is also a winner of the 100 Voices For Our Planet Award and was nominated for the Women Changing the World Awards presented by Dr Tererai Trent. She is also an ImpactHer Ambassador for Zimbabwe.
Shaimau G. Magaji: Queen Amina Medical Integration
Shaimau is the co-founder and team lead of their innovation, which is the first of its kind in Africa. She has won different awards, including recent recognition for her innovation in Health by the Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) in collaboration with W.H.O. She is addressing the issues of child spacing, diabetes, and hypertension, by having rural residents exchange their plastic pet bottles for essential drugs. The plastic waste is crushed, sold, and used to support individuals, particularly women, and farmers, who are not able to afford the National Health Insurance Scheme premium. She has a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Al-Hikmah University and a M.Sc. in Public Health from Gezira University.
Atinuke Smith: Datina Designs
Atinuke Smith is an award-winning Nigerian Based fashion designer and the Chief Executive Officer of Datina Designs Fashion House and Fashion School. She has managed the fashion design business for over 25 years. She manages Datina Designs and Tibile Fashion Retail outlet stores in Ibadan, which showcase her unique clothing line and her two brand labels, Datina Designs and Tinu Smith. She is a designer whose fashion standards are distinctive. She is known for her attention to detail, precision, and stylish cuts, which have carved out a niche for her in the fashion industry. She believes fashion should be Classy, Eclectic, and comfortable, which are prominent features of her designs. Atinuke Smith is a Goldman Sachs scholar from the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos Business School, where she studied Entrepreneurial Management. She is a YouWin awardee of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s SME Empowerment Program. She is an Alumna of the Cherie Blair Foundation’s Road to Growth Women’s Program in Nigeria. She was one of the 200 women shortlisted all over Africa for the First Cohort of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative Business Management Program sponsored by the Global Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Ifeoma Okonkwo: Diche Foods
Ifeoma Okonkwo is an agri-food entrepreneur and an astute entrepreneur who ventured into business in 2021 from a background of international development, where she served for a decade focusing on improving the nutritional status of Nigerians through the development and delivery of nutrient-dense foods towards eradicating micronutrient malnutrition. Her experience during this time led her to start her business, Diche Foods, which she hopes will contribute sustainably to this goal. In less than 2 years, the business has achieved some great successes, like setting up a physical store while working from home, increasing the product line from 1 to over 10 for Diche Foods’ original products, and including other complimentary products from other SMEs and businesses, to evolve into a one-stop shop for nutritious, affordable, and safe foods.
Emmanuel Odeyemi: Exceptional Ace
Emmanuel Ifeoluwa Odeyemi is the founder of Xeptional Ace, which provides digital services. His passion and drive for tech became a reality in the year 2017, and have advanced into diverse fields in the digital world, such as Digital Creator (designer, Product Designer, cinematographer, live streamer, author, and web developer) and have been a bridge in the digital world, helping a lot of organizations communicate their ideas. He is a member and volunteer of various organizations such as YALI, the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, the United Nations Volunteer (UNV), the National Peace Corps Association, the World Youth Alliance Africa, and others. He is currently studying Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Ilorin.
Adebisi Odeleye: Moore Organics
Adebisi Odeleye is the founder of Moore Organics, a natural skincare production company. She is skilled in community engagement and development, business startups, retail chain management, thought leadership, market research, and analysis. She has empowered thousands of internally displaced Persons (IDPs) who were affected by insurgencies in the North Eastern part of Nigeria by teaching them various handicraft skills and counselling displaced persons for easy integration into society. She works directly with female farmers in the Six Geopolitical Zones of Nigeria in the production and processing of ancient beauty materials such as plant oil and edible fat, which are used for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products (shea butter, African Black Soap, Baobab, etc.) for the production of natural skincare products at Moore Organics. She is an alumna of Morley College (London), Regent Business School (South Africa), Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), Lagos Business School, Daystar Leadership Academy, Beauty Therapy Institute, and the Prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University.
Kemi Olawoye: Mybabymigo
Kemi Olawoye is the Co-Founder and CEO of Babymigo, Nigeria’s largest pregnancy and parenting community. Babymigo provides expert-verified health information, education, resources, and concierge services relating to pregnancy, parenting, childbirth, and reproductive health to expecting moms and parents. Since its inception, Babymigo has provided answers to more than 100,000 questions asked by vulnerable women from more than 200 locations across Nigeria and reached more than 200,000 users. Babymigo is supported by Facebook and Google and has been featured on Yahoo, Forbes, and Time Magazine. Kemi has received numerous honours and awards, such as the 2022 Future Awards Africa Nomination Award, the 2021 Woman Entrepreneur & Spirit of GIST by the US Department of State, the 2021 Female Entrepreneur of the Year by the Africa Choice Awards, the 2020 AXA 50intech Female Entrepreneur, and the 2019 Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women, among others. She is a veteran entrepreneur and an award-winning business leader. Kemi’s business focuses on building an easily accessible online community for moms to gain information and bridge the communication gap on maternal health in Africa. She founded the business in 2018, and has over 150,000 members across Africa.
Alamu Suliat Ajagbe: Zulijay Cosmetics
Alamu Suliat is the founder of Zulijay Naturals, a natural skincare brand that provides 100% natural products to help people get smooth, radiant, glowing, and healthy skin that can have detrimental environmental effects. Zulijay Naturals provides you with a steady source of antioxidants to rejuvenate your skin and give antiageing properties.
Toyin Onigbanjo: Augustsecrets
Oluwatoyin Onigbanjo is an award-winning child nutrition advocate and the founder of August Secrets, a fast-growing, innovative child nutrition company based in Nigeria on a mission to reduce the rate of malnutrition among African children with traditional, tasty, and natural cereals. She is a children’s recipe developer, author, family enthusiast, and gender and growth advocate for women. Toyin is the recipient of several awards, including the Graca Machel GenderLens Award, for her innovative strides in child nutrition and women’s empowerment in West Africa. She is the author of the August Secrets Meal Plan, which has arguably been the best-selling recipe book for children in West Africa, along with feeding thousands of children with the cereals manufactured at August Secrets. Jaden’s Meals, the foremost product of August Secrets, which are African-inspired, natural cereals for children, has been sold in more than 300 stores within Nigeria, Ghana, and Canada.
Ibidun Layade: Dunnice Catering Services
Dunnice Catering is a multi-million naira event company founded by an upwardly-mobile entrepreneur, Ibidunni Layade. Ibidun started her entrepreneurial journey in 2005 when she began event decoration and has grown to become a successful event entrepreneur and one of the leading catering companies in Nigeria. Popularly called Dunnice, Ibidun is an Associate Accounting Technician and Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She has certifications from the London Professional Training Centre for Food Safety and First Aid Training with the Nigerian Red Cross, just to mention a few. She is a recipient of many awards and recognitions, one of which is Caterer of the Year by ASSEV. She is a member of APPOEMN and has been a great support to the Events industry and Nigeria as a whole by creating job opportunities for youths.
Monaliza Azeh: Mona Matthews Limited
Monalisa Azeh founded her Leather brand, Mona Matthews, which designs and retails high-quality handmade leather shoes and bags and has run it successfully since then. She attended The Fate Foundation’s Aspiring Entrepreneurs (AEP) and Emerging Entrepreneurs Programs in 2002 and 2019, respectively. She also attended the Lagos Business School (EDC) in 2009 as a Goldman Sachs Scholar, where she obtained a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management. Monalisa served on the Federal Government Leather Reformation Committee, which was mandated to create a Leather Policy for Nigeria. She is also a Fate Foundation Volunteer and a trained mentor. Monalisa Abimbola Azeh is also on the Faculty of The Joseph Business School, JBS Lagos, which is an International Faith-based Business School with Campuses in several Countries. It is headquartered in Chicago, U.S.A.
Usman Imanah: Friska Foods
Usman Imanah is the Managing Director and CEO of Friska Farms Limited. An Agri-producing company committed to sourcing the highest quality of products directly from the farmers to ensure the freshness and authenticity of their products. Usman is also a Non-Executive Director in charge of Business Development at Varden Consults, an agricultural consulting company and organizer of the annual Lagos Farmers Convention and an International Partner of the World Business Angels Forum (WBAF). Usman speaks passionately about Agribusiness Value chains, brands, and Perception Management at various levels. Usman has spoken to Start-ups, SMEs, and Corporates-his content is relatable, and he provides a fresh perspective on how businesses see their brands. What makes Usman stand out as a Corporate Communication specialist is that he practices what he preaches in his personal business/ brand, Friska Herbal Teas, which he has grown steadily in the past 6 years. He has been able to establish the brand from farm to retail in 970 outlets across Nigeria.
Gabriel Ogundele: Alakowe Digitals, AKOWE XYZ
Gabriel Ogundele is a marketing strategist and digital transformation expert. His passion for learning led him to start AKOWE XYZ as a way to revolutionize the African education system. The AKOWE learning platform offers courses in over 20 African languages, is dedicated to providing a truly inclusive learning environment with recognition of the importance of language in effective knowledge transfer, and aims to break down language barriers to ensure every African learner can access quality education. The platform also boasts a strategic partnership with Microsoft through the Startup Founders Hub. The collaboration will enable the AKOWE Skill-Up Africa Initiative to reach new heights, providing 10 essential digital skills to empower 100,000 Africans.
Kristin Wilson: Spurt!
Kristin specializes in technology strategy, product development, business planning, and operations optimization within the realm of entrepreneurship. She leads the team at Spurt!, a technology solutions firm. She collaborates with startup founders and business executives to offer strategic business advisory, research, and data-driven operations optimization with a focus on human capital development, change management, and tech-enabled futuretivity, consistently delivering robust solutions for growth and scaling. Kristin has lived and worked across four continents. She helps startup and SMB teams harness technology and data to craft solutions at the intersection of business, media, and technology, especially in emerging markets. She is also a doctoral scholar at Stanford University.
Chioma Okoro: Wootlab Innovations
Chioma is a social innovator and a youth development advocate whose visionary leadership has propelled her company, Wootlab Innovations, to new heights, inspiring employees and stakeholders alike. With a clear and compelling vision for the future, she has effectively communicated her goals and fostered a sense of purpose within the organization. Wootlab Innovations exists to harness the talent of people from countries across Africa and turn them into the next generation of talent and startup unicorns. In leveraging technology to advance Africa’s digital economy through human capital development- in talented people who can realize their full potential and meet the high demand for the tech skills required in the digital economy—their sustainability model, “Train to Match to Employment,” ensures that they are constantly building a Skilled Workforce for strong, sustainable, and balanced growth. Chioma believes that Innovation and technology are the fastest ways to build economic prosperity in Africa. Through youth leadership, sustainable and scalable digital innovation, and entrepreneurship programs/strategies, she aims to propel economic growth in Africa.
Taofeek Abiodun Bolarinwa: Emmtec Systems International
Taofeek Abiodun Bolarinwa is the founder of Emmtec Systems International, an organization empowering the younger generation to be better in Information Technology. He has had a long-term yearning to lift and impact the lives of others. The rise in the IT industry and the desire for people to attain knowledge and practical implementation have been great motivations. The team at Emmtec is made up of professionals and subject-matter experts from various IT disciplines, including seasoned professionals with excellent and real-world experience in business development and information technology. He’s a certified Microsoft Solutions Architect Az 305, Microsoft DevOps Engineer, and AWS Cloud Practitioner.
Omoh Alokwe: Street waste company limited
Omoh Alokwe is a seasoned sustainability expert with years of experience in waste recycling, environmental audit reporting, and environmental impact assessment. Co-founder of Street Waste Company Limited, a successful recycling company that has revolutionized the way waste is managed in communities. Street Waste Company Limited has partnered with local businesses and government agencies to divert tons of waste from landfills and turn it into valuable resources. Omoh’s passion for sustainability extends beyond her professional life. She has worked on a variety of projects, from designing and implementing recycling programs for organizations to consulting with municipalities on waste management strategies. Her knowledge of waste reduction and recycling processes is extensive, and she is always seeking innovative solutions to reduce waste and minimize its impact on the environment. Omoh is an active executive member of the Lagos Recyclers Association and a member of the Recyclers Association of Nigeria.
Prince Ajisefinni Ayodeji Tajudeen: Enterprise grooming institute Ltd
Prince Ajisefinni Ayodeji Tajudeen is a renowned Agribusiness and Enterprise Development Professional with over 20 years of experience in the business, driven by passion and commitment to solving the challenges of Food Security and Job Creation. His investments cut across the Agribusiness Value Chain, including; Aquaculture/Fishery, Crops and Livestock Farming, Off-taking and Value Addition (Food Processing), Logistics, Marketing, and Agro-Export Promotion. He’s the Founder and proprietor of the Enterprise Grooming Institute, also known as the “University of Experience,” where job creators are groomed. Popularly known as the “Jagaban of Enterprise”, Prince Ajisefinni Ayodeji’s strides in the development of Agribusiness, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are consistent. Prince Ajisefinni is the State Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and is currently the national vice president – North Central, for the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises.
Olawunmi Okikiola Fakoya: JDP Global Concept
Olawunmi Fakoya is an experienced Chief Operating Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the Food Production industry and a dynamic Food Technologist who has built a reputation for delivering exceptional services and has driven innovation across businesses through strategic and solid execution. Her enterprise, JDP Global Foods, bridges the gap by manufacturing foods that are natural and safe for human consumption. She is a visionary Leader equipped with robust experience over the years in delivering optimal results and business value in high-growth environments and establishing key relationships with businesses globally. Well-versed and with a consistent record of successfully employing best business practices that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs while increasing productivity.
Fatima Yusuf Nuhu: First ALIFAT catering services
Fatima Yusuf Nuhu is the chairman/CEO of Alifat Catering Services & Restaurant. First ALIFAT was established in 2007, offering a wide range of services; consultancy, training, restaurant services, and general catering services. Fatimat Yusuf has also trained almost 3000+ young people across Niger State with track records since its establishment 15 years ago. Alifat also has a foundation known as the Alifat Foundation, where she undertakes philanthropic activities to give back to society by training and empowering widows, married women, and youths. She has trained almost 1,000 youth and women so far for free at the foundation. She is passionate about skills-related acquisition jobs and loves to see Nigerian youths embrace the entrepreneurial journey. She also trained single mothers in Rwanda and has collaborated with the state government and other private sectors in the state to create job opportunities for the masses. She is the daughter of the 13th Emir of Agaie in Niger State. She has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Animal Science from the Federal University of Technology, Minna. She heads the Department of Skills Acquisition at the Emirate Youth Empowerment Foundation and is responsible for planning and executing all related skills acquisition programs for the foundation.
Osemwengie Victor Odion: Edoshoe Manufacturing Company
Osemwengie Victor Odion owns Edoshoe, a shoe manufacturing company specializing in indigenous unisex footwear designer based in Edo State, Nigeria. Since the commencement of operation in 2015, the company has been involved in producing quality school leather sandals, Pam slippers, and shoes. Edoshoe is currently working with the Edo State Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives, and Employment to train 200 youths on shoemaking with outreach: Edo State, Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Rivers State, and Italy. He is a footwear manufacturer and training consultant, and through his company, he has trained and empowered Young Africans, who have, in turn, become employers of labour. They produce low and high-cost shoes for people in Nigeria.
Joy Badaki: Bkem Foods
Joy Badaki is an Agri-entrepreneur and the founder of Bkem Food, a brand that aims to solve the problem of unhealthy feeding through fresh farm products and the problem of unhealthy diets among many Nigerians who consume mostly imported processed food from other countries and not exploring farm products and naturally processed food items for healthy human consumption in Africa without waiting till the doctor places them on a compulsory diet. Joy was a participant in the Next Titan Show in 2021 and a mentor in the FCMB Business Zone.
Whyte Isimeme: Genius Hub
Isimeme Whyte is a social impact entrepreneur, human rights advocate, and purpose clarity coach whose work cuts across many youth, girl-child, and women initiatives in various sectors, including socioeconomic development programs for women and youths, community development, girl-child rights, migrant rehabilitation and reintegration and human trafficking, education, leadership and public service, local content development initiatives, and so on. Isimeme has over 18 years of extensive experience in government/NGO partnerships, community advocacy and engagement, SME business development, market systems development, project management, case/crises management, research monitoring and evaluation, counselling, and mentoring, as well as in institutions and community-based organizations that provide services to young people. Through her visionary leadership, Genius Hub has facilitated skills training and entrepreneurship development programs for over 3,500 beneficiaries and counting, including youths, women, returned irregular migrants, and survivors of human trafficking and sexual & gender-based violence (SGBV) in Edo State. Genius Hub has also established regional offices in Lagos and Kano states.
Imeh Patience Boluwatife: Boluscrafts Enterprise
Imeh Patience Boluwatife is a passionate entrepreneur whose personal contact with books inspired her to start her own enterprise, Boluscraft, where she designs and customizes notebooks. She is into the designing and customizing of Notebooks. Boluscrafts designs, brands, and revamps notebooks, notepads, diaries, and journals with classy and luxury fabric materials such as velvet fabric, Ankara prints, and other made-in-Nigeria fabrics customized to suit every individual’s taste. She was selected as one of the startups for the Ugwumba Startups Development Program in 2021. She is studying Surveying and Geoinformatics at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Temitope Adedapo: Temsay global food limited
Temitope Adedapo is the founder of Temsay Global Food Limited, a food processing business that was birthed to leverage the vast opportunities available to contribute her quota to growing the Nigerian economy, reducing the post-harvest loss that occurs due to inadequate storage facilities, and providing healthy food for local consumption and exportation. Temsay Global Foods Limited is a food processing company that processes, packages, and distributes high-quality, healthy, and unadulterated foods. Temitope is an industrious and reliable entrepreneur who has consistently delivered good edible foods over the years. She was recently recognized by Bumpa as one of their Top 100 in Business and E-commerce.
Aribisala Pelumi: Cato Foods
Pelumi Aribisala is the Co-founder and CEO at Cato Foods, a fast-growing innovative company that is dedicated to improving the lives and livelihoods of people through agricultural value-added leveraging technology to scale up the production of their food products. Pelumi is a versatile and seasoned entrepreneur. He is a graduate of Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University, IIe-Ife, Nigeria, with over 10 years of experience in agribusiness and agricultural value-chain management, food processing, and food-system development. As a pioneer SME biofortified foods processing company in Nigeria, he works on product development and market linkages. He is a youth capacity development specialist and mentors at several programs for organizations such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation, among others, and has successfully mentored over 5000 youths, with many now running successful agribusiness ventures. He is a Biofortification Ambassador and Nutrition Advocate striving to create awareness, advocacy, and capacity building.
Amina lzuagbe: Amineru Nigeria Enterprises Limited (Amineru Foods)
Amina Izuagbe is the founder of Amineru Nigeria Enterprises Limited, an Agro-allied processing and packaging firm involved in the production of agro-food flour products. Since 2014, she has been providing high-quality food flour products to thousands of Nigerians at affordable rates. She’s a member of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and has prided herself on the production and delivery of quality foods to her clients since the inception of her business.
Almustapha Rajab: Saeng Company
Almustapha Rajab founded the Saeng Company in 2021 to help people achieve a healthy lifestyle through a variety of natural herb supplements and skincare products. He is resilient and keeps improving in his craft to keep the Saeng company. He is a certified skincare formulator from the Fomula Botanica Academy and is currently a student at Kaduna State University.
Oyebiyi Oluwanifemi: Foods By Far
Oluwanifemi Adeyemi-Oyebiyi founded FOODS BY FAR, a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, 3, and 12 focused brand in food processing. She partners with farmers to get quality food products that are unadulterated. She processes, packages, and gets these food products ready to be cooked. Nifemi is a highly motivated and detailed oriented entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people meet their nutritional needs by providing high-quality agricultural products that are carefully and hygienically processed. She is a critical thinker and an active learner who graduated from the Department of Philosophy at the University of Lagos and the FATE Institute of the Fate Foundation School.
Olu Awolowo: Distri Foods
Olu Awolowo is the CEO of Distrifoods Nigeria, based in Jos, Plateau State, an Impact-driven agribusiness increasing access to safer, affordable Nutrified Snack Foods to Women of Reproductive age (WRA) from Low-Income households (LIHs) in Nigeria; addressing Undernutrition in Women of Reproductive age (WRA) in Nigeria using underutilized, climate resilient crops (to drive affordability) to formulate consumer-fit products for ease of use. He is a resilient Food System Innovator, supporting 10 Small Holder Farmers’ Cottage Industries, and 15 Women-Led Agribusinesses, holds 21 NAFDAC Certifications for a range of Nutrified Snack Foods, oversight, & enterprise support to 2,800 NMSMEs in Plateau State; he is a Fellow of the Oxfam WIP SME Development Program (2016) in Nigeria, Chairman: Nigerian Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, NASME Plateau State Chapter; Member: Plateau State PLSG & Organized Private Sector OPS Community, Member: Plateau State Business Environment Committee; and North Central SBN Regional Hub Lead, Vice Chairman (Agro Allied): NASSI Plateau State Chapter, Member NASSI National Technical Committee / National Executive Committee 2019-2022. He has participated in numerous Agribusiness competitions, and his decades-old experience and unique activity within the food and nutrition business in Nigeria have earned him numerous recognitions. Distrifoods Nigeria’s innovative products are available in major modern trade channels nationwide. Olu Awolowo is also a Member of numerous committees of the Plateau State Government – ICT Policy and E-Commerce Strategy; Investments and Business Incentives; MSME Policy.
Kemi Olomola-Sijuade mni: Greenland Concepts Nigeria
Kemi Olomola-Sijuwade (mni) is the founder and director of Greenland Concepts Nigeria, a private limited liability company primarily engaged in real estate development, facility management, and allied consultancy services. With a first degree in Law from the University of Wolverhampton, Olomola-Sijuwade has been the principal partner at KOS Legal Services for nearly eight years. Kemi was appointed as the MD/CEO of the Nigeria Police Property Development and Construction Company in 2020. She has over 20 years of Real Estate experience, having previously functioned as Property Manager for companies such as Jide Taiwo & Co., Fidelity Bond Nigeria, and Industrial and General Insurance (IGI). In 2018, Olomola-Sijuwade attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and is now a Member of the National Institute (mni). She is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the International Bar Association (IBA), The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the National Association of Paralegals (NALP), the UK, and several others. She is also an alumnus of Lagos Business School Executive MBA(MEMBA-4)
Aisha James – Imeh: Ample Foods
Aisha Ime James is a Naturopath and the CEO of Ample Foods, with experiences spanning over two decades across industries, as a Business Coach, Manufacturer, alternative medicine practitioner, and the broadcast media. She’s a Trainer, Coach, and Facilitator for GOPA/GIZ German Corporation, she’s also a natural volunteer and a Start-up strategist, and she helps Business owners gain clarity in terms of Business entry. She’s an active member of NECA and has served as the publicity secretary of NECA’s Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) and other entrepreneurial organizations.
Seun Sangoleye: BabyGrubz
Seun founded BabyGrubz out of her passion for women’s empowerment and has a mission to change the way babies are fed in Africa. BabyGrubz is dedicated to providing parents with fun recipes and sound science-based nutritional advice for children who have special dietary needs. She’s a social entrepreneur committed to improving childhood nutrition and impacting women’s financial inclusion. With over 30,000 followers on Instagram and more than 325,000 mothers connected to nutrition advice via an online platform, Seun’s Baby Grubz journey has included education for mothers, helping them understand the nutritional needs of babies. Her team of 18 employees, which includes 16 women, is also given basic training in nutrition when they join the company. Baby Grubz has expanded its women-only distribution model across Nigeria, Ghana, and even to Nigerian and other West African mothers in the UK who are looking for familiar foods to feed their babies.
Kingsley Oghenero James: Inddor Design and Concept Limited
Kingsley Oghenero James is an experienced production strategist with capabilities for innovating and bringing ideas to life. He leads a team of creative young people at Indoor Design and Concept Limited (IDCLng), a 360-degree solution for executing brand objectives Delivering well-thought-out and premium visibility materials with a well-grounded knowledge of the West African market that enables them to deliver top-notch brand strategic communication plan. He is skilled in the Marketing and Advertising industries, with a special focus on Branding, Fabrication, Activation, Event production, etc. A stickler for corporate governance and a serial entrepreneur. Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing, Associate of the Institute of Chartered Secretary and Administrator, and many others
Oyeyinka Banjo: Westfield Consulting
Oyeyinka Banjo, CEO of Whitefield Consulting, is a transformative change agent with notable success in enabling start-ups and underperforming companies to emerge as best-in-class by leading the development and delivery of progressive workplace solutions. She’s been recognized by clients and partners for possessing a commendable record of devising and integrating forward-thinking HR and people management strategies to enhance employee communication, improve talent acquisition and retention, and establish transparency at varying organizational levels. She has been able to implement replicable and scalable HR processes, provide strategic guidance on HR implications/regulations, and deliver capacity-building/professional coaching to staff members and line managers, which has earned her accolades over the years. Yinka exudes confidence in service delivery.
Banke Fasominu: Oludidit
Banke Fasominu is the CEO and Creative Director of Oludidit, a creative enterprise that thrives on creative invention, transforming imaginations into tangible products in the arts and crafts industry with a variety of product ranges in interior decor accessories, crafts, and stationery with a blend of African and Western elements. Banke is a crafter, graphic artist, teacher, speaker, and budding writer. Having acquired design and business education from the Maven Institute of Interior Decor and Design as well as the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Center, respectively. She is driven by a desire to constantly create unique pieces with style and excellence, Oludidit has gradually become a hub for the craft-loving population who seek the originality of handcrafted, custom-designed products both within Nigeria and abroad.
Titus Abe: Livingstone Brokers
Titus Abe is the MD/CEO of Livingstone Brokers, which provides personalized insurance and other financial services to suit the needs of its clientele. He has about 30 years of working experience in the Insurance Industry in Nigeria in areas such as underwriting, Consulting, Loss adjustment, Product development, and entrepreneurship. Titus believes that the insurance industry in Nigeria is ripe for disruption, and he is very passionate about the numerous opportunities that digitization brings to improve existing insurance business models as well as create entirely new ones.
Odunayo Adams Oyebolu: Everything Fashion
Odunayo Adams Oyebolu is a Nigerian female entrepreneur and the owner of Everything Fashion, a brand that caters to female fashion essentials. Odunayo has successfully transitioned from a 9-5 worker into a full-time Instagram boss, managing the Instagram store @everythingfashionitem with close to 75,000 followers. Odunayo (Madam Everything Fashion Item) also shares great advice with 9-5 employees who are currently intrapreneurs with dreams of becoming full-time entrepreneurs. She has also written many exciting and brilliantly impressive articles and shares brand positioning tips on her blog.
Adetola Adebowale: Wapa Textile and Garment Manufacturing Ltd
Adetola Adebowale leads the Production and creative team at Wapa Apparel, an experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel manufacturing industry. Adetola is a model, seasoned style expert, professional tailor, draper, highly skilled in drafting pattern blocks, and cordwainer. He possesses strong entrepreneurial skills and is skilled in writing and evaluating business plans for individuals, corporations, and government agencies. He has a BSc. in Business Administration and a Diploma in Dressmaking from the prestigious Nobel Afrik Fashion School. He is also a Samsung Real Dreams and Aspiring Entrepreneurs Graduate (AEP 34) of the Fate Foundation. He worked with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as a facilitator and examiner alongside KPMG during the CLOUDPRENEUR project in conjunction with the Fate Foundation in 2015. Adetola is a sought-after facilitator and consultant in the areas of entrepreneurship, business plan writing, business processes, loan and grant procurement, and garment making.
Tayo Adekoya: Adept Lessor
Tayo Adekoya is the MD/CEO at Adept Lessor, a top leasing finance service outfit with the mission to create a swift and delightful lease experience for individuals and growing businesses to meet their asset financing needs.Tayo has a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from Lagos Business School and an MBA in Finance from Rome Business School. He has successfully steered the affairs of Adept Lessor since 2015, ensuring it ranks high in the leasing industry. Adept Lessor emerged as the Gold winner for Customer Excellence at the Africa Brands Awards in 2022.
Aronke Emmanuel: ChildAfrique
Aronke Emmanuel is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of ChildAfrique Limited, an online marketplace for made-in-Africa children and maternity care products, currently ranked as the foremost online marketplace for child and maternity care products made by African brands. Her E-commerce platform is a one-stop shop that offers childcare products at an affordable price, so products are sold at the price the manufacturers have listed them, and parents don’t have to pay multiple delivery fees for different products from different brands. Aronke is an outcome-oriented thinker and product manager who has led cross-functional product development teams in identifying needs, and designing, building, and implementing solutions to deliver the company’s vision and strategy. She has 8+ years of experience in the E-commerce industry, launching products in startup environments, and providing business resolutions by building relationships with key stakeholders. She has been able to expand my skills and knowledge in a wide variety of areas, including product strategy, product design, product development, product launches, growth tactics, and Go-To-market, ensuring Product-Market fit and uncovering new market opportunities for scale.
Emmanuel Benedict: Freshlook Consulting Enterprise
Emmanuel Benedict is a highly accomplished business development consultant with a proven track record of success. Emmanuel has established himself as a leader in the field, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) raise over 50 million dollars in funding. With a wealth of experience and expertise in business development, Emmanuel has become a sought-after consultant for businesses looking to grow and thrive. He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing SMEs and can provide tailored solutions that help businesses achieve their goals. Emmanuel’s success is built on a strong foundation of strategic thinking, analytical skills, and deep knowledge of the business landscape. He can identify growth opportunities and develop effective strategies that deliver results. His ability to build strong relationships with clients, investors, and other stakeholders has been instrumental in his success. In addition to his professional achievements, Emmanuel is known for his strong work ethic, dedication to his clients, and commitment to making a positive impact in his community. He is a true leader in every sense of the word, and his contributions to the world of business are truly remarkable. In 2022, he emerged as the overall best Business Development Consultant in the Bank of Industry for bringing in the most projects.
Toyin Adedeji Bakare: SAS Textiles
Oluwatoyin Bakare is a seasoned entrepreneur, A Certified Fellow Chartered Accountant, and an Alumnus of several renowned business schools. She also sits on the Board of several companies and foundations. She is the COO and executive director of SAS Textiles Ltd, a second-generation family business that is Nigeria’s home of Exquisite world-class fabrics and textiles. As Executive Director of Finance of SAS Textiles, she had oversight of the growth of the business from a one-room shop to one of Nigeria’s leading textile retail-store chains. She is an alumnus of Fate Foundation’s Emerging Entrepreneur Programme (EEP), and the current President of its Alumni association, the LEAP Africa’s Business Leadership Program, Lagos Business School’s OMP, CEIBS, as well as a Business Leadership Program at Harvard. She sits on the board of Genesis House – an arm of Freedom Foundation that shelters and rehabilitates disadvantaged women and is an associate member of the Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ).
Jennifer Chidinma George: Mai Foods
Jennifer Chidinma George is a wellness and healthy living advocate with over eighteen (18) years of experience in business development, entrepreneurship, marketing, and public relations. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, of Mai Foods; a healthy food and lifestyle brand of Megaphaze Mercantile Limited – MML. She studied Linguistics and Language Information at Abia State University, Uturu, Okigwe, Abia State, and also has a certification from the Lagos Business Schools and Lagos Chamber of Commerce She’ is an Alumnae of the Cherie Blair Mentoring Women in Business.
Grace Hadiza Benjamin -Joshua: Dizauregi services limited
Grace Benjamin-Joshua is the director of Dizauregi Services, a start-up company established two years ago that produces chemical-free food products in Jos, the Plateau State capital, under the brand name UREGI. Grace, a natural food enthusiast and lover of nature in general, started the business with a token gifted to her in 2018 She started from the comfort of her home, packaging mostly organic spices and other food products. Her prudence and astute managerial endowment, coupled with an exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, saw the twenty-thousand-naira (N20,000) investment accrue over six hundred thousand (N600,000) in six months. Within the period, new products were introduced, among which was the Green Veggies Detox Tea Powder, which is today the best-selling product of the brand UREGI. She is also the founder of a nonprofit foundation, Dizauregi Foundation, where she gives back 5% of profits made from Uregi Business and seeks support from other well-meaning individuals to support the educational costs of Orphans. She is the visionary, Risk-taker, strategy analyst, Marketing personnel, spokesperson, and trainer. The company has also seen its turnovers grow since 2020, with a tremendous 108% growth in 2021, the second year of its full operations.
Oluwatoyin Sanni: Afrilewa
Oluwatoyin Sanni is a dynamic entrepreneur and natural cosmetics expert. With a background in Chemistry Education, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey while still in college, training women and youths in various areas. In 2017, Oluwatoyin founded her own business in natural cosmetics, where she formulated an impressive range of 13 products. Her formulations harness the power of natural ingredients, offering customers effective and environmentally friendly beauty and skincare options. Oluwatoyin’s entrepreneurial efforts have been recognized through multiple grants and accolades. She has also furthered her business knowledge by studying Entrepreneurship at the esteemed Lagos Business School. Oluwatoyin’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to empowering others make her a standout figure in the natural cosmetics industry. Her innovative approach and impactful contributions serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to make a difference in the world of beauty and beyond.
