Meet the Top 5 Finalists of the 2026 Akem Foundation Business Support Funding Program

At Akem Foundation, we believe that behind every thriving society are bold entrepreneurs solving real problems with courage, creativity, and consistency. After a highly competitive and rigorous selection process, moving from 70 applicants, to 46 shortlisted candidates, to 20 exceptional entrepreneurs in the second phase, we are proud to unveil the Top 5 Finalists who have advanced to the Grand Finale (Live Pitching Stage) of the Akem Foundation Business Support Funding Program 2026. These finalists have demonstrated not just strong business ideas but proven operations, market relevance, resilience, and the capacity to scale. The Final 5 Entrepreneurs are: Adetolani Omowunmi, who leads Delighted Dove Bags, a fashion and lifestyle brand focused on creating quality, stylish, and functional bags for modern consumers. Her business stands out for its attention to craftsmanship and the ability to combine aesthetic appeal with everyday usability. Beyond fashion, Delighted Dove Bags represents the growing potential of locally made products competing with global standards, while also contributing to job creation within the creative industry. Busola Ajala, the founder of Bussiegold Hairmpire, a beauty brand providing premium hair products and services tailored to meet the needs of diverse customers. Her venture addresses a key need in the beauty industry, access to quality, reliable hair solutions, while building a brand that reflects confidence, identity, and personal expression. Bussiegold Hairmpire showcases how consistency in service delivery and brand positioning can create a loyal customer base in a competitive market. Gideon Fidelis Ekom, who leads Rentbetahouse Nigeria Ltd, a platform simplifying the process of renting homes and properties in Nigeria. His business tackles a critical challenge faced by many Nigerians, access to transparent, reliable, and efficient housing solutions. By leveraging technology and structured processes, Rentbetahouse Nigeria Ltd is contributing to a more organised and accessible real estate ecosystem, reducing stress for both tenants and property owners. Adeola Agboola, driving force behind Ekuru Palace, a food business dedicated to delivering traditional and nutritious meals. Ekuru Palace highlights the importance of preserving cultural food heritage while meeting modern demand for convenience and quality. The business demonstrates how local cuisine can be positioned as both a commercial opportunity and a tool for cultural preservation, serving customers who value authenticity and taste. Nkechi Gift Uzordima leads Mush and Green Ltd, a business focused on sustainable agriculture and innovative food solutions. Her venture reflects the growing importance of healthy living, food security, and environmentally conscious practices. Mush and Green Ltd stands at the intersection of agriculture and innovation, showing how entrepreneurs can solve pressing societal needs while building profitable ventures. The journey to this stage required more than just ideas. These entrepreneurs have demonstrated operational businesses with real customers, clear value propositions addressing critical needs, strong execution capacity and growth potential, resilience and adaptability in competitive environments. Their success reinforces an important lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs that great businesses are not built on ideas alone, but on execution, consistency, and the ability to solve real problems effectively. The Top 5 finalists will now compete at the Live Pitching Event in May, 2026, where they will present their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. At stake are the final awards: Winner: ₦1,000,000, First Runner-Up: ₦750,000, Second Runner-Up: ₦500,000, Third Runner-Up: ₦300,000, and Fourth Runner-Up: ₦200,000. Each finalist will have the opportunity to showcase not just their business, but their vision, impact, and readiness to scale. We celebrate these five outstanding entrepreneurs for their hard work, innovation, and commitment to building solutions that matter. Their journey is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about profit; it is about impact, problem-solving, and creating value for society. As they step into the final stage, we invite our community to follow their journeys, learn from their stories, and be inspired to take bold steps in their own entrepreneurial paths. Congratulations to our Top 5 Finalists!