Female Entrepreneur Wins FMN ₦10m Prize for Cassava Innovation

Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) has concluded the fifth edition of its FMN Prize for Innovation (PFI), with a female entrepreneur emerging as overall winner for the first time in the competition’s history.

At the grand finale held on May 15, 2026, Victoria Ogwanighie, founder of Kiyoko Foods Ltd, clinched the top prize after emerging victorious among four finalists selected from over 2,700 entries nationwide.

Her innovation, “Sorghum Cheese Balls,” utilises cassava-based processing techniques to produce nutrient-rich snack products aimed at improving child nutrition, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting sustainable food systems.

FMN Chairman, John Coumantaros, announced an increase in the prize structure during the event, noting that the winner’s prize was raised from ₦5 million to ₦10 million.

First runner-up, Joshua Attat of Pneedles Limited, received ₦6 million for his innovation that converts cassava peels into plant-based leather, an eco-friendly alternative to conventional leather materials.

Second runner-up, Valentine Okoli of Bach and Moen Ltd, was awarded ₦4 million for developing cassava processing hubs that produce instant Abacha and other cassava-based snacks with extended shelf life.

Other finalists also received recognition, with Sadiq Muhammad of Amsadaf Ventures and Rashidat Ayoola Oluwafemi of Farmavi Agro each receiving ₦1 million for innovations in mechanised farming solutions and cassava-based bio-fertiliser production respectively.

Speaking at the event, Coumantaros said the initiative reflects FMN’s commitment to driving innovation within Nigeria’s agro-allied sector and strengthening the cassava value chain.

Ogwanighie expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying the support would help scale production and expand market reach.

“Our goal is to create affordable and nutritious food products from cassava while empowering local farmers and reducing food waste,” she said.

The FMN Prize for Innovation continues to spotlight scalable agricultural solutions aimed at boosting food security, reducing waste, and promoting economic growth across Nigeria’s food systems.