By: Ayoade Esther Damola
The Seed Transformation Network Nigeria (STNN) successfully hosted its International Women’s Day 2026 Grand Finale, culminating in the award of a significant business grant to support female-led innovation.
The event, which celebrated the resilience and ingenuity of African women in business, saw the founder of Shoeniverse Leathers, Olamide Olajide, emerge as the grand-prize winner, receiving N1 million.
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 emphasised the rigorous selection process that defined this year’s initiative.
She said: “We do not take your presence here for granted. To our finalists, congratulations. We screened approximately 100 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 keynote address by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BellaNaija, Uche Pedro, 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. She urged entrepreneurs to prioritise research and structural integrity.
