By Francis Ajuonuma
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has empowered 27,000 entrepreneurs across Africa, with women accounting for 51 per cent of its beneficiaries, the TEF Alumni Lagos Hub Lead, Obaji Akpet, has disclosed.
Akpet said the foundation’s record demonstrated the importance of expanding partnerships that promote women’s entrepreneurship, leadership development and economic independence across Africa.
He spoke at the Face of Independence Nigeria (FOIN) pageant held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, where he advocated stronger links between pageantry and entrepreneurship development.
“As of 2026, TEF has empowered 27,000 entrepreneurs in Africa, and 51 per cent of them are women,” Akpet said.
He said the figure informed the TEF Alumni Lagos Hub’s decision to associate with the pageant and explore ways of integrating entrepreneurship into platforms promoting young women.
According to him, pageantry should move beyond beauty, fashion and public appearances to create opportunities for leadership development, enterprise creation and economic empowerment.
Akpet said the hub was exploring partnerships with pageant organisers across Nigeria to promote entrepreneurship-driven initiatives capable of equipping young women with practical business skills and networks.
He said such partnerships could help contestants and titleholders convert public visibility into sustainable businesses while creating wider opportunities for women and young people.
Akpet attended the event with Iremide Olatunji, the TEF Alumni Lagos Hub’s Head of Membership and Engagement.
The event also produced Edidiong Udoidua, representing the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as the overall winner of the Face of Independence International title for 2026/2027.
Udoidua said she intended to use the platform to promote Nigerian women and pursue initiatives capable of creating meaningful impact during her reign.
“I’m dedicated to working with the brands to make sure that all of our values are pushed forward, working with the right people to make sure that the Nigerian women not just make the map of the world, but also make impact here in Nigeria,” she said.
The winner also urged Nigerians to identify with her as she commenced her reign.
“My name is Edidiong Udoidua. You should save the name from now. See you during my reign,” she added.
The FOIN Convener, Catherine Oloidi, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the girl child through the platform.
She said the initiative was focused on creating opportunities for young women to build confidence, develop their talents and assume leadership roles.
For the TEF Alumni Lagos Hub, the engagement provides an opportunity to connect the entrepreneurial ecosystem with platforms promoting women’s visibility, leadership and socioeconomic advancement.
Akpet said integrating entrepreneurship education, mentorship and business development into pageantry could give young women stronger foundations for achieving economic independence.
The event featured award presentations, contestants’ outings and entertainment, with performances by Evelle, winner of the 2014 Nigerian Idol competition, Nollywood actor and model Abayomi Alvin, and model Prince Buchi.
