ShopNaija Wins Special Recognition As Rising Tech At First Edition of STEP Initiative

Shop Naija, an innovative tech startup solving several marketing, selling and payment problems for indigenous fashion and health merchants and creatives, received a special recognition award as a prominent tech startup at the Seyi Tinubu Empowerment Project (STEP), Lagos Edition in June.

The grand finale which took place on the 26th of june was the culmination of intensive screening process to select the top 10 finalist from over 5000 startups.

The STEP Initiative was launched by Seyi Tinubu, the founder of the leading digital outdoor advertising company, Loatsad promomedia and the son of the former governor of Lagos State to provide business mentorship, networking opportunities and funding for young entrepreneurs.

ShopNaija emerged among the top three startups to receive the recognition, in addition to the grand prize and several other consolation prizes, at the event that brought together leading and emerging startups in Nigeria.

ShopNaija, described by its co-founder, Tolu Oluyemi as the “Jumia or Asos of Fashion brands and merchants” helps fashion entrepreneurs market and sell their made-in-Nigeria fashion materials and accessories online, especially targeting overseas clientele.

Tolu Oluyemi, a serial entrepreneur and former product manager at SystemSpecs (Remita) and his co-founder Adedamola Bowale founded Shop Naija to provide a technical touch to the online fashion space.

“ShopNaija is an e-commerce platform solely for made-in-Naija items, the idea is all of these brands that sell fashion items and accessories on social media can have a hub where they can sell. we help them set up their digital store, market their items and sell, while also processing their payment for them, including other stuff” he said.

Seyi Tinubu, while speaking at the event, stated that his interest in tech made him see the need to help young and innovative startups like Tolu and Shopnaija to fulfillfulfill their potential.

“Technology is making the world a better place today and this is why the STEP initiative of the foundation focuses on tech entrepreneurs who solve real-life issues through their tech innovation,” he said.

Mrs Layal Jade Tinubu, the wife of Seyi, and co-founder of the Noelle Foundation, the foundation responsible for initiating this programme stated the need to empower communities, entrepreneurial youths and millennials in Nigeria.

“We feel it is time for our generation to start giving the younger generation a fair chance to excel in their endeavors via making positive societal changes in Nigeria,” she said.