The Mary Ojulary Foundation disbursed $180,000 to young entrepreneurs across Nigeria in two phases. Officials announced the grants during an award ceremony in Lagos on Friday. The funds target small businesses run by children, youths, and women.
Founder Mary Ojulary shared the milestone at the event for the second group of the Vanguard Fellowship Initiative. She built the foundation from a deep desire to create lasting chances for the young. For over ten years, she aided children’s schooling from primary through university levels.
Many graduates returned for more support, sparking a shift in focus. During the 2023 elections, Ojulary engaged youths on civic duties and spotted their sharp ideas. These 18- to 35-year-olds brimmed with creativity but needed guidance to thrive.
The foundation runs two main efforts. The Aspire Scholarship aided 25 children with education. The Vanguard Fellowship Initiative stands as the key programme for business growth.
This initiative starts with the Ignite Bootcamp, an intense training for applicants nationwide. Ojulary selects top talents based on available funds. She stresses that the bootcamp teaches grit beyond the cash.
In the first group last April, thousands applied, but only 25 won spots. Ojulary granted $5,000 each to 21, then added four more from a donor’s gift, totalling $125,000. The latest round gave eight entrepreneurs N50 million, pushing the overall sum to about $180,000.
Lawmaker Gbolahan Yishawu, who represents Eti-Osa in the Lagos House of Assembly, lauded Ojulary’s drive for people. He pledged government backing for her aims. Yishawu tasked the fellows with drafting policy papers to shape future laws.
The gathering highlighted the foundation’s pledge to guide talents and spark steady business rises. Young dreamers in Nigeria gain real tools to build futures. Such steps light paths for those hungry to create and lift their communities.
