Five Undergraduates Receive Incubation Programme Grant

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation has announced five student entrepreneurs as beneficiaris of its 2023 Campus Kit Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Incubation Programme (UEIP).

According to the Foundation, UEIP is part of their commitment and vision to engage the entrepreneurial space in Africa and convert potential SMEs into emerging corporations for global influence.

The UEIP  was launched early 2022 with a focus on supporting student entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial training and asset grants to boost their businesses.

Speaking at the official presentation of the kits to winners in Lagos, recently, the President of Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation, Oriyomi Adebare-Anthony, said entrepreneurship had become a viable alternative to paid employment.

“We are particularly glad that these undergraduates have found legitimate means of creating jobs for themselves and others. Our support for these young entrepreneurs stems from our belief that they have the capacity to effect change in the entrepreneurial landscape of Nigeria and the world at large,” the president said.

Also speaking about the five beneficiaries, Founder of Biodun & Ibikunle Foundation, Biodun Adegoke, said: “The vision, creativity, and commitment of the beneficiaries to making a difference are inspiring, and we are honoured to support their businesses. We believe that their passion, knowledge, and expertise will bring about transformative outcomes, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

He emphasised to the beneficiaries that the grant was not just an acknowledgement of their past achievements but also an investment in their potentials to create a brighter future for Nigeria.

“We have full confidence in their abilities and are excited to witness the milestones they will achieve and the positive change they will bring about,” he added.

The beneficiaries include, Princess Umana Owoh, student of University of Lagos and founder, Ambydated Foods Limited, N500,000; Comfort Badmos, student of University of Ibadan and founder, Baams Creatives, N200,000; Abosede Akintan, student of Federal University of Technology, Akure and founder, The Diet Muse and Motunrayo Odofin,student of Federal University of Technology, Akure and founder, Ty Pastries got N100,000 each.

While Precious Ojutawo, a student of Federal University of Technology, Akure, and founder, Gold’s Couture, won the inaugural Women Inspired Award, an award by the Women Inspired Group in partnership with Biodun & Ibikunle Foundation.

According to the foundation, over 35 applications were received from student entrepreneurs in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, upon which 25 businesses were shortlisted for a four week incubation period which was held between March 18 and April 15, 2023, and covered essential business and digital skills.