The Mary Ojulari Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering sustainable development and community-driven growth in Nigeria, has disbursed N50 million in grants to eight exceptional young entrepreneurs from its second Vanguard Fellowship Cohort. The recipients recently completed the Foundation’s intensive two-week Ignite Bootcamp in Lagos.
The grant awards were announced by Mary Ojulari, Founder and President of the Foundation, during the Vanguard Fellowship Ignite Bootcamp Awards & Networking Cocktail Night held on November 21, 2025, at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos. Each awardee received N6.2 million. The winners are Safaya Ikechuckwu, Oluwakemi Olaniyan, Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula, Francis Obanijesu, Olatunde Omotayo Olufunke, Victoria Ogwanighie, Ubok Ameh, and Adebayo Aishat Olajumoke.
Addressing the ceremony, Ojulari highlighted the Foundation’s mission to equip young Nigerians with the capital, networks, and skills needed to build scalable and resilient businesses:
“Our work is about unlocking potential, because potential is Nigeria’s greatest asset. These entrepreneurs are tackling real community challenges, generating employment, and refusing to be limited by circumstance. The Vanguard Fellowship honours that drive while providing tools and guidance to amplify their impact.”
The Ignite Bootcamp was delivered in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and a network of industry leaders spanning finance, manufacturing, media, healthcare, government, and development sectors. Participants gained exposure to practical case studies, strategic mentorship, and actionable insights designed to strengthen their ventures.
Ojulari emphasized that the Foundation’s support extends beyond the bootcamp, providing ongoing mentorship, market access, and growth opportunities to ensure long-term sustainability. This cohort included 50 promising entrepreneurs working across Agro-Processing, Fashion, Manufacturing, Technology, Health, and the Creative Industries. Admission into the program was determined through a rigorous selection process prioritizing innovation, community impact, and scalability, with training delivered by seasoned operators and policy experts.
The Foundation also acknowledged the contribution of mentors, partners, and supporters whose expertise and resources have been pivotal in developing Nigeria’s next generation of business leaders.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Yewande Zaccheaus, Chairman and Founder of Eventful Nigeria Limited, affirmed the critical role of initiatives like the Vanguard Fellowship in fostering entrepreneurship:
“To build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria, we must invest in skills, access to capital, digital literacy, mentorship networks, and platforms like the Mary Ojulari Foundation. Let us empower young people to be job creators, not just job seekers. Your work is transformative, your impact undeniable, and your vision is shaping futures.”
Reflecting on its inaugural 2025 cohort, the Foundation admitted 50 entrepreneurs into its Vanguard Bootcamp, from which 25 were awarded a total of $125,000 in catalytic grants. The current N50 million commitment demonstrates the Foundation’s ongoing dedication to nurturing grassroots enterprise development across Lagos and beyond.
