Lagos, Nigeria – May 06, 2025
The 10th anniversary edition of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) has concluded on a high note with a special cheque presentation ceremony, where Jennifer Esiaba, founder of Mariam Grey Pharmacy, was awarded a ₦12 million grant.
The event which held on April 24, 2025, marked a decade of nurturing and supporting young Nigerian entrepreneurs with transformative ideas and the potential to create lasting societal impact.
This grant will enable the company refine its business model and undergo entrepreneurial training at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University and participate in an acceleration programme hosted by a leading Lagos-based innovation hub all designed to support the company’s growth and long-term viability.
DAAYTA, established in 2015 in honour of ARM’s founding CEO, Deji Alli, is a flagship initiative designed to identify and empower early-stage businesses that address real challenges with sustainable and scalable solutions. Over the past 10 editions, the programme has become a beacon for innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-led impact across Nigeria.
From numerous applications received nationwide, seven standout finalists were shortlisted for the final pitch: Dropp, Suwk Technologies Limited, Farm Boxx, Fertitude, Ilode Bio Energy, Dot Campus Africa, and the eventual winner, Mariam Grey Pharmacy. These ventures demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and a shared commitment to solving critical challenges across sectors.
A panel of distinguished judges comprising industry leaders, investors, and innovation experts, evaluated the pitches before awarding the ₦12 million grant to Mariam Grey Pharmacy – a healthcare startup committed to making healthcare accessible and hassle-free for everyday Nigerians.
Speaking at the event, Jumoke Ogundare, CEO of ARM Group, noted: “It’s been 10 years since ARM began this remarkable journey with DAAYTA empowering entrepreneurs whose ideas are already changing lives across Nigeria. The programme has stayed true to its mission, and I can only imagine how many lives have been touched. As we celebrate this 10th anniversary edition, I say congratulations to the DAAYTA team, the winners, and every entrepreneur who has shared in this vision. The next decade promises even greater impact.”
Reflecting on the journey, Deji Alli, Chairman of ARM Holdings, added: “What DAAYTA has achieved in the last 10 years is only a glimpse of what’s possible. With the momentum now established, I believe her impact on incubating and nurturing groundbreaking businesses will be even more profound in the years to come. I want to thank the ARM team and programme coordinators for their commitment to building something so meaningful and lasting.”
As ARM commemorates a decade of DAAYTA, this milestone reaffirms its dedication to fueling the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth in Nigeria.
About ARM
Founded in 1994, Asset & Resource Management Holding Company Limited (ARM) is one of Nigeria’s leading non-bank financial institutions. With a legacy of innovation and trust, ARM offers a broad range of asset management and investment solutions for individuals, corporates, and institutions.
For more information about ARM and the DAAYTA program, visit www.arm.com.ng.