The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, has challenged Nigerian entrepreneurs to make a choice for excellence as they pursue their dreams.
Mr. Adegunwa gave the charge while delivering an inspiring keynote at the renowned Stanford Seed Tactical Workshop, held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja. The high-profile event, part of the Stanford Seed Africa Initiative, gathered entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovation strategists to explore growth pathways for African businesses.
In his presentation titled “Practical Strategies for Competing with Global Brands,” Mr. Adegunwa offered deep, actionable insights drawn from Rite Foods’ remarkable experience as a proudly Nigerian brand that now competes effectively with global FMCG giants.
“If you are willing to learn, the market will teach you,” Mr. Adegunwa said, emphasising the importance of agility, continuous learning, and customer-focused innovation in Africa’s competitive business terrain.
He shared the Rite Foods story, not as a tale of chance, but of purposeful disruption. From launching Nigeria’s first PET bottled energy drink to embedding national symbols on the Bigi carbonated soft drink packaging, a design later adopted by competitors, Rite Foods has consistently stayed ahead by fusing world-class production with deep local relevance.
According to him, phenomenal brands are built on clear and authentic purpose, deep customer satisfaction, relentless innovation, operational excellence, cultural relevance and the courage to take bold decisions.
“Innovation may be tough, but it’s what sets you apart. Branding, when done right, doesn’t just bring success, it builds confidence and legacy,” he affirmed.
Mr. Adegunwa urged African entrepreneurs to master their industries, surround themselves with the right people, and remain obsessed with execution. “Know when to get the right people on the bus, and never stop refining your value proposition,” he advised.
Speaking passionately about Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit, he expressed optimism that the country can birth African giants, brands that not only lead at home but command respect on the global stage.
