Oduwole urges Stanford Seed to focus on export-driven strategies

The Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria, part of the alumni community of Stanford University’s Seed Transformation Programme, whose membership is exclusive to business owners with a minimum turnover of $500,000, has inducted 16 new members into its ranks.

It was part of cohort 14 and also held its end-of-year party over the weekend. The event brought together business leaders from a wide range of sectors. The event highlighted the network’s commitment to empowering business leaders.

In a keynote address, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Oduwole, highlighted the importance of networks like the Stanford Seed in driving economic development.

She said: “Organisations like Stanford Seed are crucial for economic growth. Their investment in leadership, capacity building and cross-border collaboration must be shared for the benefit of Nigeria and beyond.” She also urged members to focus on export-driven strategies, emphasising the need for an understanding of global market standards.

“Our government’s priority is to boost investment and support Nigerian businesses in thriving locally and internationally. Encouraging foreign investment and focusing on exports are crucial to enhancing Nigeria’s economic prospects and foreign exchange supply,” she said

To qualify, the new members completed a rigorous nine-month programme, meeting additional criteria set by the network. Among the inductees were Victor Bella of Socialander, Adeola Akinyemi from ShowGear Ltd and Ifeoluwa Ariyo.

President of the Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria and Managing Director of Wood-ET AL, Omololami Ajani, emphasised the programme’s mission to drive exponential business growth.

“The goal of the Stanford Seed Transformation Programme is to multiply business impact thousandfold. We organise events that provide the crucial information businesses need to thrive,” she stated. Stanford Seed’s Regional Director for West Africa, Emmanuel Kitcher, commended the resilience of African entrepreneurs.

“African business leaders operate in demanding environments, yet they manage to create thriving enterprises with the resources available. With the same opportunities as their counterparts in Europe, I believe they would achieve even greater success,” he observed.