Three innovative enterprises dedicated to nutrition have emerged victorious in this year’s SUN Business Network Pitch Competition, receiving a total of N10 million in funding.
Organized by the FATE Foundation in collaboration with the Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network (SBN), and co-convened by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the World Food Programme (WFP), the competition concluded in Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday.
Amidst a gathering of industry leaders and stakeholders, the winners were announced, showcasing exemplary commitment and innovation in combating malnutrition in Nigeria. Babafemi Adejinmi, CEO of Gatob Multintegrated Services, secured five million naira, while Gideon Olaoye, CEO of G.O.A Farms, was awarded three million naira. Saidat Dauda, CEO of Abisai Megatop Limited, received two million naira.
The competition aims to empower entrepreneurs and businesses with transformative ideas to enhance access to affordable, nutritious food for low-income communities across Nigeria. This initiative is particularly crucial given the persistent challenge of malnutrition, especially among disadvantaged populations.
According to the African Development Bank, approximately 216 million African children suffer from stunting and malnutrition, making innovative solutions imperative. In sub-Saharan Africa, malnutrition ranks as the second leading cause of death among children, after malaria.
Tomisin Odunmbaku, National Programme Coordinator at SBN, emphasized the significance of such initiatives, stating, “This is a critical step towards achieving sustainable food security and improved nutrition for all Nigerians.” The competition not only recognizes entrepreneurial excellence but also catalyzes scalable solutions to address the root causes of malnutrition.
