The Seed Transformation Network Nigeria successfully hosted its International Women’s Day 2026 Grand Finale, culminating in the awarding of a significant business grant to support female-led innovation. The event, which celebrated the resilience and ingenuity of African women in business, saw Olamide Olajide, founder of Shoeniverse Leathers, emerge as the grand prize winner, receiving a grant of one million Naira.
The ceremony was expertly guided by the Master of Ceremonies, Toba Obaniyi, who also serves as the Communications Secretary for the network. The afternoon commenced with a warm welcome from the President of Stanford Seed Transformation Network, Nigeria, Omolola Ajayi. Addressing an audience of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and stakeholders, Omolola emphasized the rigorous selection process that defined this year’s initiative.
“We do not take your presence here for granted,” Omolola stated. “To our finalists, congratulations. We screened approximately one hundred applications, narrowing them down to the top five exceptional businesses represented here today. We are looking forward to having a wonderful time celebrating your growth and vision.”
The highlight of the afternoon was a powerful keynote address by Uche Pedro, CEO of BellaNaija, who spoke on the theme “Making the Mark.” Drawing from her journey of building a media empire, Uche shared how BellaNaija began with just three people in a small room in Opebi, Ikeja.
Uche urged entrepreneurs to prioritize research and structural integrity:
Strategic Research: “Making the mark means doing proper research and having a deep understanding of your niche.”
Organizational Structure: She emphasized that processes and procedures are the backbone of any scalable company.
Technological Integration: Pedro challenged the finalists to ask, “How can technology make every aspect of your business better?”
Culture and Value: She highlighted the importance of building the right team culture and focusing on the specific problems a business solves for its community.
“There are companies that did not exist twelve months ago that are changing the course of history today,” Uche noted, encouraging the women to remain agile.
Halima Afebua, Human Resource Manager for Greenpeg, an engineering firm, noted that supporting women is a core value for the company. “As a firm in a male-dominated industry, Greenpeg is committed to elevating women. This initiative aligns perfectly with our internal values of diversity and excellence.”
Dominic Ogar, Chief Information Officer of Signal Alliance Technology Holdings (SATH), highlighted the philanthropic angle. Through the SATH Foundation, the group focuses on computer literacy, but Ogar noted this partnership was about something deeper: “We want a world where ladies are valued, seen, heard, and protected.”
Representing Graceco Limited, Brand Manager Akeem Onifade praised the ingenuity of the Stanford Seed network. “Our Chairperson is a visionary woman who champions these ideas. Having benefited from the network’s support in our own business journey, we are always ready to partner with SSTN to raise the next generation of leaders.”
Although unable to attend in person due to the grand opening of their newest branch in Ogbomosho the previous day, Vanguard Pharmacy sent their warmest good wishes as a sponsor. Their impact was felt through a dedicated video presentation played during the event, showcasing their commitment to the network.
The Seed Transformation Network consists of graduates of Stanford University’s Transformation Program (STP). It is a community of high-potential CEOs and founders dedicated to leading their regions to greater prosperity through innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
