Rite Foods CEO Shares Winning Business Strategies at Stanford Seed Tactical Workshop in Lagos

Rite Foods CEO Shares Winning Business Strategies at Stanford Seed Tactical Workshop in Lagos

L-R: Toba Obaniyi, Communications Secretary of Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria / CEO of Exemplar;  Mrs Theodora Nwenyi, Vice President of Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria / CEO of Rapid Vigil Security; Mr Seleem Adegunwa, Speaker / Managing Director Rite Foods Limited; James Ogbe, Financial Secretary of Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria / Chief Executive Officer of PESO Energy; and Eniibukun Adebayo, CEO of CleanAce  Drycleaners during the Lagos Tactical Workshop organized by Standford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria – July 24, 2025

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, has urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to embrace excellence and innovation as key drivers for success in today’s competitive business environment.

Mr. Adegunwa gave the charge during a keynote address at the Stanford Seed Tactical Workshop, a high-level event held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, as part of the Stanford Seed Africa Initiative. The workshop convened entrepreneurs, business leaders, and growth strategists to explore practical approaches to scaling African enterprises.

Delivering a presentation titled “Practical Strategies for Competing with Global Brands,” Mr. Adegunwa shared key lessons from Rite Foods’ journey as a Nigerian brand that has risen to compete with multinational FMCG giants.

> “If you are willing to learn, the market will teach you,” he noted, stressing the importance of agility, continuous learning, and innovation rooted in customer needs.

He described Rite Foods' trajectory not as one of luck, but of “purposeful disruption.” From pioneering Nigeria’s first PET bottled energy drink to incorporating patriotic symbols into Bigi soft drink packaging—an idea later adopted by competitors—the company has remained at the forefront by combining world-class production with strong local identity.

According to him, building iconic brands requires more than just great products. “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,” he stated.

Mr. Adegunwa underscored the role of branding as a powerful tool in market differentiation, saying:

> “Innovation may be tough, but it’s what sets you apart. Branding, when done right, doesn’t just bring success—it builds confidence and a legacy.”

He also advised entrepreneurs to master their industries, surround themselves with capable teams, and remain relentless in execution. “Know when to get the right people on the bus, and never stop refining your value proposition,” he said.

Expressing belief in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial potential, Mr. Adegunwa maintained that the country has what it takes to produce global brands that are proudly African and globally competitive.

About Rite Foods Limited:

Rite Foods is Nigeria’s leading producer of beverages and sausages, renowned for its cutting-edge manufacturing, customer-centric innovation, and high-quality brands including Fearless Energy Drink, Bigi Soft Drinks, Sosa Fruit Drink, and Bigi and Spicy Rite Sausages. The company continues to set new benchmarks in the 

African FMCG industry.