The competition, which has become one of the country’s leading platforms for agro-based innovation, concluded on Friday, May 15, with Victoria Ogwanighie, founder of Kiyoko Foods Ltd, making history as the first woman to clinch the top position since the initiative began in 2021.
Her victory came after a rigorous selection process that narrowed more than 2,700 entries down to five finalists. The grand finale was aired live on FMN TV and showcased innovative ideas focused on improving Nigeria’s cassava value chain.
Ogwanighie impressed judges with her product, Sorghum Cheese Balls — a cassava-based snack aimed at improving child nutrition while tackling the persistent issue of post-harvest losses that continue to affect farmers across the country. By converting cassava into a shelf-stable, nutritious snack product, the innovation seeks to reduce waste and create additional economic value for local farmers.
Speaking during the ceremony, Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria, John G. Coumantaros, described the initiative as part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainable agricultural development.
“The FMN Prize for Innovation reflects the core of our commitment to fostering sustainable solutions within Nigeria’s food and agro-allied sector. We are proud to support entrepreneurs whose innovations have the potential to transform the cassava value chain and create lasting economic impact,” he said.
This year’s edition focused on the theme, “Innovative Practices in Cassava Production and Processing,” highlighting the urgent need to deepen local processing despite Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest cassava producer. Industry experts have repeatedly noted the contradiction of the country producing massive volumes of cassava while still depending heavily on imported cassava derivatives for industrial use.
One of the major highlights of the evening came when Coumantaros announced an upward review of the prize money for all finalists. The grand prize was increased from N5 million to N10 million, while the first runner-up prize rose from N3 million to N6 million. The second runner-up reward was also doubled from N2 million to N4 million, with the remaining finalists receiving N1 million each.
Beyond the cash reward, Kiyoko Foods Ltd will also benefit from mentorship opportunities and brand promotion support from FMN to help scale its operations and expand market reach.
Expressing excitement over the win, Ogwanighie said the support would accelerate the company’s growth plans and help it reach underserved communities.
“Our goal is to create affordable and nutritious food products from cassava while empowering local farmers and reducing food waste. This support from FMN will help us scale production and reach more communities,” she stated.
Joshua Attat of Pneedles Limited emerged first runner-up and received N6 million for his innovation, which converts cassava peels into plant-based leather. The idea attracted attention for its environmental sustainability and commercial potential, particularly in reducing agricultural waste.
Valentine Okoli of Bach and Moen Ltd claimed the second runner-up position with a solution designed to help smallholder farmers process fresh cassava into instant Abacha and other snacks within hours of harvest. The model is expected to significantly reduce spoilage and improve farmers’ access to wider markets.
Other finalists included Sadiq Muhammad of Amsadaf Ventures, whose innovation focused on mechanised farming solutions, and Rashidat Ayoola Oluwafemi of Farmavi Agro, who developed a cassava-based bio-fertilizer. Both innovators received N1 million each in recognition of their efforts.
Since its establishment in 2021, the FMN Prize for Innovation has grown steadily as a platform for discovering and supporting agro-entrepreneurs. According to the organisers, the initiative has supported 24 innovators across previous editions, disbursing over N42 million in prize money and committing more than N200 million in structured business support to help transform promising ideas into sustainable enterprises.