Female Entrepreneur Wins N10m FMN Prize for Cassava Innovation

Victoria Ogwanighi, the founder of Kiyoko Food Ltd, emerged as the winner of the FMN N10 million prize for her innovative cassava product at the grand final held on May 15, 2026. This marked the first time a female entrepreneur won in the five-year history of the competition.

Ogwanighi's innovation involved converting cassava into nutrient-rich cheese balls aimed at improving child nutrition and reducing post-harvest loss. The competition received 2,700 entries, and the prize money for the top finalist was increased from N5 million to N10 million.

The second runner-up, Joshua Attat of Pneedl Limit, received N6 million for developing plant-based leather from cassava peel, while Valentin Okoli of Bach Moen Ltd won N4 million for establishing a cassava processing hub to produce instant abacha snacks with a longer shelf life. The event, chaired by FMN's John Coumantaro, emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.