Monisola Beauty Aiyekusehin, founder Betharbel Foundation has emerged winner of this year’s GE’DA pitch competition, following a rigorous selection process and months of thorough training,

Organised by Donors for Africa, a grant management non-profit organisation leading change, over 42 fellows participated in the program, which is targeted at equipping and building the capacity of non-profit professionals, social enterprises, and impact-led businesses who are solving some of the world’s biggest challenges Africa.

According to the organisers, applications were whittled to three from 17 and top finalists competed live on zoom for the grand prize.

The final selection was made by professionals like Kola Osinowo, CEO Baobab + Nigeria, Crystal Chigbu, Founder of IREDE Foundation, and Tosin Adebisi, SFSG.

The top 12 finalists were Monisola Aiyekusehin, Ridwan Babatunde, Birhu Muray Julien, Hauwa Kakudi, Liable Honore, and member H. Feese, Nuhu Halimatu Sadia, Timothy Asobele Dare, Elizabeth Shoyemi, Judith Ukagwu, Katumi Oboirien, and Tobiloba Ajayi.

Chidi Koldsweat, founder of DFA, while speaking about the project, stated that it was designed to strengthen the capacity of leading development professionals with the technical expertise required to lead their organizations.

According to her, courses were delivered by leading local and international trainers who further equipped the changemakers with all they needed to thrive’’.

Monisola Aiyekusehin expressed delight at winning the competition, while also thanking the organisers for helping her see light and understanding her work count.

“I’m so excited. A million thanks to Donors for Africa, God bless you for helping me see light and understanding my work counts. Thanks for the awards and the many benefits. On behalf of Betharbel foundation, I say a big thank you to DFA and the entire team.’’

The winner will continue to receive technical support from DFA and its partners over the next 1 year alongside other media & TV features from top media houses, coaching sessions, and partnerships.

GE`DA, which is a local word for ‘Together Build’, is a 3 months intensive professional leadership development program for sector leaders working to improve their communities by addressing issues related to sustainable development goals.

It is for those who desire to understand how to play in the development sector and want to deep dive into how to build a sustainable social impact organization.

Participants are selected from diverse sectors in development from different countries in Africa and encouraged to lead change boldly. Last year, over 237 applications were received and 45 people were selected to participate.