In celebration of International Women’s Day, six outstanding women were recently honoured for their exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s food industry at the inaugural edition of the Thriving Women in Food Businessinitiative, held on Saturday, March 30, 2025, in Lagos.
Themed “Celebrating Food entrepreneurship excellence,”the initiative recognized women who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and dedication in transforming the food entrepreneurship landscape across the country.
Speaking at the event, Convener of the Initiative, Nneka Tomilola Adesanya, noted that the platform was created to spotlight women who are reshaping the food space through their ingenuity, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
“The Thriving Women in Food Business Initiative was born out of a desire to honour women who are breaking boundaries and changing the face of the Nigerian food industry,” Adesanya stated. “This movement celebrates not just business success, but the vision, values, and impact of women leading change in a critical sector of our economy.”
She added that the platform will continue to advocate for enabling structures that support women-led enterprises and encourage mentorship and collaboration among emerging food entrepreneurs.
Among the honorees was Chef Ogechi Manu (Chef Ego), who expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a motivating force.
“This honour validates the years of dedication I’ve invested in building my brand. It encourages me to keep pushing boundaries and mentoring others who are just starting out in this space,” she said.
Elizabeth Bello, founder of Amala Toh Sure, described the recognition as a “significant milestone,” affirming her resolve to pursue even higher levels of achievement in the industry.
Also recognized was Mojirade Bepo, CEO of Jirade Global Diadem Limited, who shared that her company’s success is anchored on integrity and stringent quality standards.
“We are committed to producing hygienic, premium-quality snacks that our customers can trust,” she said.
Mosunmola Adewale Akobada of Mocreative Catering reflected on the broader impact of the recognition:
“It feels like tasting the jollof after years of stirring the pot.”
She emphasized the importance of shining a global spotlight on Nigeria’s rich food industry, paying tribute to the unsung heroes behind every dish.
“This honour isn’t mine alone—it’s for every woman working tirelessly behind the scenes. From mothers to drivers to dedicated staff, they show up daily to make food excellence a reality.”
Representing Toyin Onigbanjo of August Secrets, Elizabeth offered a note of encouragement to fellow entrepreneurs:
“Just keep going. No waiting for applause, but someone is watching—and everything good will come to those who do good.”
In her remarks, Omowo, another awardee, urged women entrepreneurs to remain consistent and leverage social media to amplify their businesses.
“Be visible, be vocal. Closed mouths don’t get fed. Share your story, your brand, and don’t stop showing up,” she advised.
The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders to provide more opportunities for women in the food ecosystem.
Adesanya affirmed that the Thriving Women in Food Business initiative will become anAnnual platform to celebrate excellence and inspire a new generation of female leaders in Nigeria’s food and agribusiness sectors.
