FMN Prize for Innovation Produces First Female Winner in Landmark Fifth Season
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s leading food and agro-allied group, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc has concluded the fifth edition of its prestigious FMN Prize for Innovation (PFI), with the competition producing its first-ever female winner since inception.
The 2026 edition of the FMN Prize for Innovation focused on “Innovative Practices in Cassava Production and Processing” and attracted over 2,700 entries from entrepreneurs and innovators across Nigeria. The grand finale, broadcast live on FMN TV, GoldMyne TV and Pulse TV YouTube channels, showcased groundbreaking ideas aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s cassava value chain and advancing sustainable food systems.
At the climax of the event, the Chairman of FMN, John G. Coumantaros, announced a major boost for participants by doubling the prize money for the top three finalists. The winner’s prize increased from ₦5 million to ₦10 million, while the first and second runners-up received ₦6 million and ₦4 million respectively. The remaining two finalists were also rewarded with ₦1 million each.
Emerging as the overall winner was Kiyoko Foods Ltd, founded by Victoria Ogwanighie, for its innovative cassava-based “Sorghud Cheese Balls” — a nutrient-rich snack designed to improve child nutrition while reducing post-harvest losses. The company converts surplus cassava into affordable, locally produced cheese balls, creating additional value for farmers and promoting sustainable food systems.
Speaking after her victory, Victoria Ogwanighie described the achievement as overwhelming, noting that she applied for the competition on the closing day but eventually emerged as the first female winner in the initiative’s five-year history.
First runner-up position went to PNeedles Limited, owned by Joshua Attat, for its innovation that transforms cassava peels into sustainable plant-based leather. The project aims to reduce agricultural waste, support circular economy practices, and provide eco-friendly alternatives to conventional leather products.
The second runner-up, Bach and Moen Ltd, led by Valentine Okoli, impressed judges with its cassava processing hubs that help smallholder farmers convert fresh cassava into longer shelf-life products such as instant Abacha and cassava-based snacks.
Other finalists included Amsadaf Ventures by Sadiq Muhammad, which proposed mechanized solutions for smallholder farmers, and Farmavi Agro by Rashidat Ayoola Oluwafemi, which developed liquid bio-fertilizer from cassava effluent. Both innovators received ₦1 million each as special recognition awards.
Speaking during the event, FMN Chairman John Coumantaros said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to building sustainable food systems and supporting Nigerian SMEs capable of driving industrial growth and food self-sufficiency.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of FMN Agro and Director of Strategic Engagement & Partnership at FMN Holdings, Sadiq Usman, described the fifth edition as a milestone in FMN’s strategic investment in local innovation and industrial development.
According to him, the focus on cassava is aimed at addressing structural gaps in Nigeria’s industrial value chain despite the country’s high cassava production volumes.
The finale was judged by a panel of experts including marketing specialist Yewande Kazeem, agro-business expert Kolawole Adeniji, Adenike Adeyemi, alongside Sadiq Usman.
FMN said the conclusion of the fifth season reinforces its commitment to promoting agri-enterprise growth, strengthening local innovation capacity, and building sustainable agricultural value chains across Nigeria and Africa.
For more information about FMN, visit Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc.k
