A civil society group, Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA) on Friday honoured the legacy of the late former First Lady, Mariam Babangida, while recognising 12 emerging Nigerian entrepreneurs for their contributions to business development, innovation and economic growth.

The entrepreneurs, operating across fashion, technology, food, culture and the creative industries, were recognised under the 2026 Next Rated Founder initiative of the Aisha Ibrahim Babangida Founders’ Award.

The initiative seeks to spotlight emerging business owners with innovative ideas, business potential and the capacity to expand into larger markets, create jobs and contribute to economic growth.

Presented by WenA, a non-governmental organisation focused on supporting women’s enterprise development, the programme also promotes mentorship and greater visibility for women-led businesses.

The selected entrepreneurs include Temilade Salami, founder of Tuntunure, a circular fashion brand that transforms discarded denim into contemporary clothing; Fatima Babangida-Mohammed, founder of Phoenix Polo Company and Fab13 Nigeria; and Maryjane Okeke, chief executive of The Brecta Company, an event planning and experience design firm.

Others are Uzoma Chidumaga Orii, founder of Uzoma Studio, which develops digital platforms for cultural preservation; Juliet Elaigwu, chief executive of Attendify Tech, an event management technology company; and Aisha Sambo, a communications strategist and creative director.

The list also features Grace Olofu of FG Casual & More, a fashion brand; Joyce Jack, founder of Kjay Visuals; Hadiza Duba, chief executive of Kore Matcha, a beverage business; and Tsemaye Jemide, founder of RaRa Ramen NG, which operates a self-service ramen concept.

Completing the list are Amina Dantata, chief executive of Marmari NG, a Northern Nigerian food brand, and Aisha Jaleela Sambo, chief executive of Curated Finds, a personal shopping and procurement service sourcing products from Europe for Nigerian consumers.

The businesses span several sectors, with activities ranging from sustainable fashion and digital event management to cultural preservation, food innovation and international procurement.

According to the founders’ profiles, Salami launched Tuntunure in March 2025 and has since repurposed more than 1,000 pairs of jeans and served over 400 customers. The business also provides opportunities for local artisans.

Orii’s Uzoma Studio has developed digital archives for the National Museum Lagos and the Archives of Nigerian Nationalism, using technology to improve access to historical collections.

Similarly, Dantata’s Marmari NG is repositioning traditional Northern Nigerian snacks, including alkaki, for contemporary consumers, while Attendify Tech provides digital tools for event registration, accreditation and attendance tracking.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairperson of the awards steering committee, Hajiya Zainab Jaji said the initiative was designed to recognise excellence, promote mentorship and raise the visibility of women’s achievements.

She said the 12 founders represented young entrepreneurs whose determination to build businesses despite challenges demonstrated the potential of Nigerian enterprise.

Jaji urged the award recipients to use the recognition as a platform for further growth, job creation and mentorship, particularly by opening opportunities for other aspiring entrepreneurs.

She said the programme featured five major award categories: Lifetime Achievement, Emerging Women Entrepreneurs, Innovation, Policy Impact and Advocacy, and Regional Excellence.

She added that investing in women entrepreneurs would generate benefits beyond individual businesses, extending to families, communities and the wider economy.