Mary Ojulari Foundation unveils $125,000 Fellowship to power young innovators

The Mary Ojulari Foundation has announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of its flagship Vanguard Fellowship, an initiative aimed at nurturing purpose-driven entrepreneurs and innovators across Nigeria.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition, which supported 25 entrepreneurs with $125,000 in business funding, the new cohort seeks to empower a fresh wave of changemakers through mentorship, training, and access to catalytic funding.

Applications are open from 24 September to 26 October 2025, with shortlisting on 30 October, while interviews will be held between 1–2 November 2025.

Successful applicants will then proceed to the Ignite Bootcamp, a two-week capacity-building programme scheduled for 10–21 November, culminating in a Pitch Day where fellows will present their business ideas to investors and industry leaders for potential funding and long-term mentorship.

Speaking on the initiative, Mrs Mary Ojulari, Founder of the Mary Ojulari Foundation, said the Fellowship bridges the gap between innovation and opportunity, giving rise to a new generation of impact-driven entrepreneurs.

“Many brilliant ideas fade away not because they lack potential, but because they lack access — to capital, mentorship, and the right mindset,” Ojulari stated.

“The Vanguard Fellowship exists to nurture those ideas and the exceptional individuals behind them. We’re building a community of bold thinkers who create value, lead with purpose, and inspire others to rise.”

She added that empowerment must have a ripple effect, transforming both individuals and the communities they serve.

“Our goal is to support founders who are intentional, disciplined, and ready to build solutions that make lives better. When one is lifted, others should rise too.”

The programme is open to aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs across Nigeria developing innovative and sustainable solutions to real social and economic challenges.

Applicants are required to submit either a five-minute video or a 750-word written entry describing their story, business idea, and impact vision. Entries should be sent to [email protected], while further details and toolkits are available on the Foundation’s official social media platforms.