Founder Mary Ojulary revealed the milestone on Friday during the award night for the second cohort of the foundation’s Vanguard Fellowship Initiative in Lagos. The initiative, which forms the foundation’s flagship entrepreneurship programme, aims to empower youths, women, and children through mentorship, training, and enterprise development.
Ojulary explained that the foundation was born out of her longstanding passion for giving back. “For over a decade, I have supported children through education at all levels,” she said. “Yet many continued to seek further help, which made me think beyond scholarships. My engagement with young people during the 2023 elections revealed many innovative and entrepreneurial youths with ideas but lacking mentorship. That inspired me to create a platform focused on enterprise development, coaching, and mentorship.”
Vanguard Fellowship Initiative and Ignite Bootcamp
The Vanguard Fellowship Initiative includes the Ignite Bootcamp, where applicants from across Nigeria undergo intensive training before receiving funding. Ojulary noted that funding decisions are merit-based, emphasizing skill development alongside financial support.
“In the first cohort in April 2025, we awarded 25 entrepreneurs $125,000. In the second cohort, we have distributed N50 million to eight entrepreneurs. Combined, the total funding so far amounts to approximately $180,000,” she explained.
Applicants undergo rigorous training in the bootcamp to ensure that they understand the importance of sustainable business practices. “It’s not just about the money,” Ojulary said. “We want them to learn, grow, and create lasting impact.”
Government Support and Community Engagement
At the event, Gbolahan Yishawu, member of the Lagos House of Assembly representing Eti-Osa Constituency, commended Ojulary’s dedication and promised ongoing support from the government. He encouraged participants to prepare position papers on entrepreneurship, pledging that deserving submissions would be considered for legislative action.
“I gave you an assignment to prepare a paper. The worthy ones will be turned into legislation papers in collaboration with my colleagues,” Yishawu said. “Mary, your energy and dedication are remarkable. We must thank you for what you are doing.”
Building Sustainable Opportunities
The award ceremony underscored the foundation’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, providing mentorship, and creating sustainable opportunities for Nigeria’s youth. Through initiatives like the Vanguard Fellowship and Aspire Scholarship, the foundation continues to ensure that small businesses grow and thrive, contributing to broader national economic development.