On March 22, 2025, Lagos was abuzz with excitement as Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria hosted its International Women’s Day (IWD) Grand Finale, an inspiring evening that celebrated female entrepreneurship, groundbreaking ideas, and record-breaking investments. The event brought together top entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders in a powerful showcase of resilience and innovation.

Welcoming the Audience: Setting the Stage for Transformation

The evening began with an empowering speech from Omolola Rukayat Ajani, President of Stanford Seed Nigeria. She reaffirmed the Network’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and access to funding. Reflecting on the impactful webinars leading up to the finale, she emphasized the importance of creating lasting impact.

"This is more than an event; it’s a movement. We believe in women, we believe in businesses, and most importantly, we believe in impact. Every conversation, every pitch, and every investment today is another step toward transformation." – Omolola Rukayat Ajani

Transforming Businesses, Transforming Economies

Stanford Seed Nigeria’s Communications Secretary, Toba Obaniyi, introduced attendees to the Network’s global reach and transformative mission.

"At Stanford Seed Nigeria, we are transforming business owners. By doing so, we transform economies. That is what we do—changing lives, changing the country, and changing the world." – Toba Obaniyi

He highlighted that Stanford Seed Nigeria is part of a thriving global community with chapters in Ghana, Kenya, India, South Africa, and beyond.

Masterful Hosting: Energy & Engagement

Abimbola Okubena

Mimi Ade-Odiachi

The dynamic duo of Abimbola Okubena and Mimi Ade-Odiachi kept the energy high throughout the evening as they seamlessly guided the audience through each segment. Their charisma ensured every guest felt engaged and inspired.

Pearls of Wisdom: Lessons from Industry Leaders

The event featured enlightening messages from seasoned entrepreneurs and coaches:

• Paul Minton, Stanford Seed West Africa Coach: "The most famous solutions are the rare ones. The world doesn’t need more of the same; it needs bold entrepreneurs creating uncommon solutions."

• Affiong Williams, CEO of Reel Fruit: "Entrepreneurship is not about having a great idea alone; it’s about doing the hard work to make that idea a reality."

Affiong Williams

Paul Minton

These thought-provoking insights reminded attendees that innovation paired with resilience is key to success in business.

The Pitch Competition: Female Entrepreneurs Shine

Oluwakemi Olaniyan

Eniola Robert

Lydia Ekpong Thompson

Fatima Yusuf

Four exceptional female entrepreneurs took the stage to pitch their businesses to a panel of expert judges:

✨ Oluwakemi Olaniyan – Founder, Nutraboom Nutrition

✨ Eniola Robert – Founder, Ennie Wears

✨ Lydia Ekpong Thompson – Founder, AllGreen Ivy Limited

✨ Fatima Yusuf – Founder, House of Zibima

Each finalist delivered compelling presentations showcasing their innovation and business acumen.

Meet the Esteemed Judges

The pitches were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges:

• Abiola Adewole, CEO of Oxford Blue Limited

• Adenike Adebayo-Ajala, Director of Social & Labour Affairs at NECA

• Olaide Soetan, CEO of NHC Pharmaceuticals Limited

• Stanley Fagbule, CEO of SellyFak Energy Services Limited

Their expertise provided valuable feedback to all finalists while shaping the competition’s outcome.

Game-Changing Announcement: ₦52 Million Invested in Women-Led Businesses

The evening reached its climax with a surprising twist—rather than crowning one winner, the judges announced a tie! Both winners received ₦1 million each:

🏆 Lydia Ekpong Thompson, Founder of AllGreen Ivy Limited

🏆 Fatima Yusuf, Founder of House of Zibima

But that wasn’t all! In a jaw-dropping moment, Mrs. Yemisi Iranloye, Founder & CEO of Psaltry International, pledged an additional ₦50 million investment into Lydia Ekpong Thompson’s agribusiness. This brought the total funding awarded during the event to an astounding ₦52 million!

A Day to Remember: Impact Beyond the Event

The Stanford Seed Nigeria IWD 2025 Grand Finale was more than just an event—it was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and empowerment for women entrepreneurs. As attendees left inspired and connected, they carried with them renewed hope for a brighter future in female-led businesses.

🎥 Missed the event? Watch the recap on our Seed Diaries YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxnrGgsKlA8.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

We extend our gratitude to our sponsors—Greenpeg, PayKobo, BellaNaija, BukkaHut, Wilson’s Juice Co., Oxford Blue Limited, Capitol Hills Hospitals, and NECA—for their unwavering support in making this event a phenomenal success!

As Stanford Seed Nigeria continues its journey to empower women entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic support—this is just the beginning! The next wave of transformational businesses is rising, and Stanford Seed Nigeria is here to make it happen.

See more photos below: