By Comfort Asemota
he Mary Ojulari Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation focused on sustainable development and community empowerment in Nigeria, has awarded N50 million in grants to eight exceptional young entrepreneurs from the second edition of its Vanguard Fellowship Cohort.
The grants were announced by Mary Ojulari, Founder and President of the Foundation, during the Vanguard Fellowship Ignite Bootcamp Awards & Networking Cocktail Night held in Lagos, following the conclusion of the Foundation’s intensive two-week Ignite Bootcamp.
Cohort Two Grant Winners
The successful recipients of the N6,250,000 each grant are:
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Safaya Ikechuckwu
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Oluwakemi Olaniyan
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Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula
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Francis Obanijesu
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Olatunde Omotayo Olufunke
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Victoria Ogwanighie
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Ubok Ameh
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Adebayo Aishat Olajumoke
Empowering Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs
Speaking at the event, Mary Ojulari reiterated the Foundation’s mission to equip young Nigerians with the tools, networks, and capital needed to build scalable and resilient businesses:
“Our work is about unlocking potential because potential is Nigeria’s greatest asset. 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, delivered in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and a network of leaders across finance, manufacturing, media, healthcare, government, and development agencies, provided the fellows with practical case studies, strategic mentorship, and real-world insights.
Participants were admitted after a rigorous selection process emphasizing innovation, community impact, and long-term sustainability. The program also featured hands-on training from industry experts and policy specialists.
Testimonials and Industry Support
Mrs Yewande Zaccheaus, Chairman and Founder of Eventful Nigeria Limited, commended the Foundation, stating:
“Let us design a future where young people are not just job seekers, but job creators. To the Foundation, your work is powerful, your impact is undeniable, and your vision is rewriting destinies. To the sponsors, you’re investing in the future leaders of Nigeria — please do not stop.”
Continued Investment in Grassroots Enterprise
The Foundation’s inaugural Vanguard Fellowship in 2025 admitted 50 entrepreneurs, with 25 receiving $125,000 in catalytic grants. With the N50 million commitment to the second cohort, the Mary Ojulari Foundation continues to deepen its investment in grassroots enterprise development across Lagos and beyond, empowering young Nigerians to become innovators and job creators.
