Empowering Innovation: Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria Hosts IWD 2026 Finale
Mar 29, 2026
The Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria marked a powerful milestone with the successful hosting of its International Women’s Day 2026 Grand Finale, a celebration of innovation, resilience, and the transformative power of female entrepreneurship.
The highly anticipated event brought together a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, CEOs, industry leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders, all united by a shared commitment to advancing women-led businesses in Nigeria.
At the heart of the event was the pitch competition, where five outstanding female founders showcased bold, impactful solutions.
Emerging as the grand prize winner was Olamide Olajide, founder of Shoeniverse Leathers, who received a ₦1,000,000 business grant in recognition of her innovation, clarity of vision, and growth potential.
Setting the Tone: Leadership, Vision, and Community
The event was expertly hosted by Toba Obaniyi, Communications Secretary of the network, and opened with a welcome address from the President of Seed Nigeria Network, Omolola Ajani.
In her remarks, she emphasized the rigor and competitiveness of the selection process:
“We screened approximately one hundred applications, narrowing them down to the top five exceptional businesses represented here today.”
Her message set the tone for an afternoon centered on excellence, growth, and the celebration of visionary women building impactful ventures.
Theodora Nwenyi, Vice-President of the network, also addressed the audience, sharing the history and impact of the Seed Transformation Program (STP).
She spoke directly to the entrepreneurs in the room, encouraging them to participate in the program and highlighting how it has been pivotal in supporting the growth and success of every member within the Seed Network. She detailed the program’s processes and milestones, showing how its structured approach has helped businesses scale and thrive over time.
Lydia Ekpong Thompson, last year’s pitch winner, joined the event to share her remarkable journey since winning the competition and securing a ₦50 million investment. She reflected on how she leveraged the ₦1 million IWD Seed Network grant to streamline her operations, reducing a production process that used to take two weeks down to just one day.
Her story inspired everyone in the room, as she spoke candidly about her experiences, demonstrating the trust and support she has felt within the network. Attendees were moved by her openness, which highlighted how Seed Network fosters a safe, empowering environment for members to grow and share their successes.
Keynote Spotlight: Building Forward with Purpose
A major highlight of the event was the keynote session delivered by Uche Pedro, Founder and CEO of BellaNaija.
Speaking on the theme “Making the Mark,” she shared practical, experience-driven insights from her journey of building one of Africa’s leading media platforms.
Her message to founders was clear and actionable:
Start before you feel ready and grow with clarity
Build with strong structure and processes
Leverage technology to improve every aspect of your business
Focus on community, culture, and value creation
“There are companies that did not exist twelve months ago that are changing the course of history today,” she noted, encouraging founders to stay agile and forward-thinking.
The Pitch: Innovation Meets Opportunity
The core of the event featured pitch presentations from five exceptional finalists:
Each founder presented not just ideas, but real, market-ready solutions with several bringing physical products to the venue.
In a powerful demonstration of market validation, some finalists recorded on-the-spot sales, with certain products selling out during the event. This moment underscored the strength, relevance, and demand for women-led innovations in today’s market.
Judging, Mentorship, and Meaningful Engagement
The finalists were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, experienced business leaders and industry experts, who brought depth, insight, and a strong commitment to supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
Beyond evaluation, the judges actively engaged with the founders, opening up opportunities for mentorship, guidance, and future collaboration, a core value of the Seed network.
Uche Pedro, Founder/CEO of BellaNaija and a valued member of the Seed Network, was recognized with two special awards at the event, one for her contributions last year and another for this year. BellaNaija has consistently provided strong support for Seed Network events, particularly through media coverage and publicity, making a significant impact on the visibility of our initiatives.
Uche’s recognition celebrated her dual role as both a network member and a key media partner, highlighting the importance of collaboration and community in advancing entrepreneurial opportunities.
Nwamaka Okoye, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and CEO of Housecessories, was also honored for her outstanding contributions to the Seed Network, recognizing her dedication as both a leader, active member and host of the Seed Diaries.
Additionally, Adama Onwuregbu received an award by her Chief Of Staff at Signal Alliance Technology Holdings, acknowledging her organization’s generous sponsorship and support for Network programs over the past year.
These recognitions highlighted the power of collaboration and the impact of committed members and partners in driving the Network’s mission forward.
Voices of Partnership and Support
The success of the event was further strengthened by partners and sponsors who share a commitment to empowering women.
Representing Greenpeg Engineering, Halima Afebua highlighted the company’s dedication to gender inclusion:
“As a firm in a male-dominated industry, Greenpeg is committed to elevating women.”
From Signal Alliance Technology Holdings, Dominic Ogar emphasized the broader impact:
“We want a world where ladies are valued, seen, heard, and protected.”
Akeem Onifade, representing Graceco Limited, praised the network’s vision and its role in shaping future leaders.
Although unable to attend physically, Vanguard Pharmacy participated through a video message, reaffirming its continued support for the network and its initiatives.
Beyond the Stage: Connection, Commerce, and Community
Beyond the formal sessions, the event created space for intentional networking, where members and guests connected, exchanged ideas, and built relationships.
The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with conversations, collaboration opportunities, and shared ambition. From business discussions to product discovery and even spontaneous purchases, the event extended far beyond the stage into real economic and social impact.
A Celebration of Impact and What Lies Ahead
The IWD 2026 Finale was more than a pitch competition, it was a gathering of builders, leaders, and visionaries committed to shaping the future of business in Africa.
As a network of graduates of the Stanford Seed Transformation Program, Seed Nigeria continues to drive its mission of fostering growth, innovation, and leadership across the continent.
This year’s finale stands as a testament to what is possible when opportunity meets preparation, and community meets vision.
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