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Learn about the Stanford Seed Transformation Network, Nigeria Chapter—a community of visionary business leaders committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic transformation in Nigeria About Us Seed Transformation Network, Nigeria Chapter The Nigeria Chapter of the Stanford Seed Transformation Network is part of a global community of business leaders who have completed the Stanford Seed Transformation Program, an initiative led by the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Established in 2016, the Network connects visionary entrepreneurs committed to scaling their businesses, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth. As one of the active chapters across West, East, and Southern Africa, as well as India, the Nigeria Chapter empowers its members with access to world-class resources, peer collaboration, and opportunities to share knowledge. Beyond supporting its members, the Network also contributes to Nigeria’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering innovation and sustainable practices that address pressing economic challenges. By leveraging the power of this global community, the Nigeria Chapter continues to inspire transformative leadership and measurable impact across industries and communities. CHAPTER EXECUTIVES Objectives Be the most powerful, vibrant network of entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Provide learning support among members and the employees of their respective organizations. Promote solidarity, fellowship and comradeship among alumni of the Stanford transformation network. Provide a conduit between members, the SEED program and Stanford University. Provide a forum for advocacy on issues that involve members. Promote thought leadership on business related issues. Ensure member business visibility and sustainability through good governance structures and support. Intentionally impact business culture in Nigeria, leaving a net gain effect our wake. OUR PROGRAMS Our Mission To create wealth in Nigeria by supporting high impact, high growth, sustainable businesses. Our Vision To establish Nigeria as a global economic force through empowerment and wealth creation. Our Values • Integrity • Lifelong learning • Quality • Fidelity • Service • Creativity Join the Network The Stanford Seed Transformation Network is an exclusive community of entrepreneurs who have completed the Seed Transformation Program (STP), the flagship 10‑month leadership program of Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) that helps growth‑minded CEOs and founders scale their companies and impact. Graduates earn a Stanford GSB certificate and join a global peer network for continued collaboration, coaching, and support. What is the Seed Transformation Program? The Stanford Seed Transformation Program (STP) is a rigorous, blended program combining in‑person sessions with online classes, led by Stanford GSB faculty and supported by local experts and Stanford‑trained advisors. CEOs/founders participate alongside members of their senior management team, learning tools and mindsets to drive strategy, execution, leadership, and growth. The experience includes leadership labs (peer groups), on‑site advisor workshops at the company, and culminates in a practical growth plan the team begins executing during the program. Who Should Apply? STP is designed for CEOs/founders of established, for‑profit companies operating primarily in Africa, South Asia, or Indonesia who are motivated to grow and scale. Ideal candidates lead companies with meaningful revenues (between US $300,000 and US $15 million annual revenue), have an active management team, and operate in sectors with potential for expansion and job creation. Selected leaders demonstrate a strong value proposition, ethical leadership, and commitment to implementing change with their teams. What Participants Gain. A Stanford‑designed curriculum focused on scaling: strategy, finance, operations, marketing, leadership, and execution. Hands‑on support from a Stanford‑trained business advisor, including on‑site sessions at the company. Small‑group leadership labs for peer problem‑solving and accountability. A detailed, actionable growth plan and continued access to coaches, consultants, and student interns after completion. A Stanford GSB certificate and membership in the Seed Transformation Network. How to Apply. Applications are submitted online and include company details, leadership background, revenue and team information, and statements of growth goals. Shortlisted applicants are invited to interviews; information on scholarships and subsidized fees is shared at that stage. Cohorts are region‑based, and spaces are limited; early, complete applications are encouraged. APPLY NOW

How Mr. Seleem Adegunwa Lit Up the Seed Nigeria Lagos Tactical Workshop Aug 25, 2025 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link On Thursday, July 24th, 2025, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and members of the Seed Nigeria Network, gathered at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, for the Stanford Seed Network Nigeria Lagos Tactical Workshop. Seleem Adegunwa, MD/CEO, Rite Foods Ltd. The Lagos Tactical Workshop was created with a purpose to equip business leaders with the practical skills and strategies they need to excel, and to create an environment where genuine connections can flourish. Many entrepreneurs operate in isolation, facing challenges that require both expert guidance and peer support. By bringing in seasoned industry professionals to share real-world insights, the workshop ensures that participants are not only trained to tackle pressing business issues but are also able to build lasting relationships that can lead to collaborations, mentorship, and growth beyond the event. The session featured an impactful, candid conversation with Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, MD/CEO of Rite Foods Ltd, the visionary behind the homegrown brand that has successfully challenged leading global giants in Nigeria’s competitive food and beverage market. Mr. Adegunwa walked participants through the strategies that propelled Rite Foods to prominence: building an exceptional product, sticking to non-negotiable principles, and deploying standout marketing to win both hearts and market share. “The excellence of our product was non-negotiable,” he stated, a principle that underpinned the company’s rapid growth in what was considered a saturated market. He challenged attendees to: Have their principles clear Deliver excellent products Provide wow-factor customer service “If you do not do these, I really think your days are numbered.” The event, emceed by our Communications Secretary Toba Obaniyi, created a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, fostering openness and honest dialogue. Toba Obaniyi, CEO of Exemplar and Seed Nigeria's Communications Secretary The Q&A session brought even more value, as members and guests had the opportunity to ask their burning questions and receive the insightful responses they needed. One participant took a bold step by pitching herself and her business, asking Mr. Adegunwa to mentor her. She walked away with a mentorship agreement, a testament to what can happen when readiness meets opportunity. Attendees found the workshop to be rich with practical insights and real value. Beyond the keynote, it was a dynamic space for networking, honest conversations, and shared strategies that inspired action. Closing the session, the Vice President of the Nigeria Network, Theodora Nwenyi, presented Mr. Seleem Adegunwa a gift box in recognition of his time, insights, and impactful session at the Lagos Tactical Workshop. He was also presented a plaque of appreciation, which was presented by esteemed Network Member Eniibukun Adebayo, the Founder/CEO of Clean Ace. We are proud to keep creating spaces where people come together to connect, learn, and grow because we believe in the power of honest conversations, shared ideas, and fresh perspectives to inspire real progress. We extend sincere appreciation to our event sponsors: Rite Foods, Wood Et Al, Rapid Vigil Security, Layer3, Royal Exchange Finance, Wasche Point, and WIlson’s Juice, Members of the Tactical Workshop Committee, and the entire planning team. More pictures from the event can be found in the gallery below: comments debug Comments (1) Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest Asiwaju Mojisola Sep 09 Beautiful 🥰 👍 Like Reply Other News MEMBER FOCUS: A Candid Conversation with Victor Bella Victor Bella, Founder/CEO, Socialander Cohort 14 Victor Bella. Founder, Socialander. Q: Can you tell us a bit about your personal... Read More Pinnah Foods Limited Honored with Operational Efficiency Award at the Chowdeck Vendor Summit 2025 We are delighted to celebrate Pinnah Foods Limited, one of our esteemed members, for their recent recognition at the Chowdeck Vendor... Read More Exploring Excellence at Creditville: Learning from a Fintech Pioneer Our recent visit to Creditville , one of Nigeria’s leading fintech innovators, was nothing short of inspiring! As part of the Stanford... Read More

Yemisi Iranloye: Transforming Nigeria’s Cassava Industry and Empowering Rural Communities Apr 21, 2025 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Yemisi Iranloye, founder and CEO of Psaltry International Limited, is widely recognized as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s agro-processing sector. Often referred to as the “Cassava Queen,” Iranloye has redefined the possibilities of cassava by building a business that not only adds significant value to this staple crop but also uplifts thousands of rural families across the country . Building an Inclusive Agro-Processing Model Established in 2005 in Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, Psaltry International Limited set out to transform cassava from a subsistence crop into a source of high-value industrial products. Today, Psaltry processes over 10,000 tons of cassava annually, generating more than $12 million in revenue and supplying major clients such as Nestlé, Unilever, and Nigerian Breweries. The company’s product line includes food-grade cassava starch, high-quality cassava flour, and, most notably, Africa’s first cassava-based sorbitol—a healthier sweetener used in toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Iranloye’s approach is rooted in an inclusive business model that places smallholder farmers at the center. By working with over 5,000 farmers, Psaltry ensures a reliable supply of raw materials while providing these farmers with fair prices, training, and improved livelihoods. This model has had a ripple effect, raising the income and living standards of more than 100,000 families in the region. From Biochemistry to Industry Leadership Iranloye’s journey began with a degree in food biochemistry, followed by postgraduate studies in biochemistry and nutrition. Her early career at Ekha Agro-Processing Ltd exposed her to the vast commercial potential of cassava. Driven by a vision to make a difference, she gradually acquired land in rural Oyo State, eventually relocating from Lagos to build her farm and processing facility from the ground up. Despite significant challenges—including unreliable electricity, water scarcity, and poor road infrastructure—she persisted. By prioritizing proximity to raw materials and investing in community infrastructure, Iranloye overcame these obstacles and established a thriving enterprise. Innovation and Impact Psaltry International’s commitment to quality and innovation has set new standards in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The company’s sorbitol refinery, the first in Africa and the second largest in the world, produces 25 tons of sorbitol daily, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports and saving millions in foreign exchange. This achievement underscores Iranloye’s focus on value addition, export potential, and sustainable business practices. A Model for Sustainable Development Iranloye’s leadership extends beyond business success. By integrating smallholder farmers into the value chain, investing in local communities, and championing sustainable agricultural practices, she has created a blueprint for inclusive growth in Africa’s agro-processing industry. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and the impact of empowering rural communities. Looking Ahead With a strong foundation and a clear vision, Yemisi Iranloye and Psaltry International continue to drive innovation in Nigeria’s cassava industry, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to see agriculture as a path to prosperity and national development. comments debug Comments (1) Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest puti Aug 06 It’s inspiring to see how Yemisi Iranloye integrates smallholder farmers into a sustainable value chain it telkom Like Reply Other News MEMBER FOCUS: A Candid Conversation with Victor Bella Victor Bella, Founder/CEO, Socialander Cohort 14 Victor Bella. Founder, Socialander. Q: Can you tell us a bit about your personal... Read More Pinnah Foods Limited Honored with Operational Efficiency Award at the Chowdeck Vendor Summit 2025 We are delighted to celebrate Pinnah Foods Limited, one of our esteemed members, for their recent recognition at the Chowdeck Vendor... Read More Exploring Excellence at Creditville: Learning from a Fintech Pioneer Our recent visit to Creditville , one of Nigeria’s leading fintech innovators, was nothing short of inspiring! As part of the Stanford... Read More