Every year, the Council for Business Innovation and Excellence (CBIE) draws together a dynamic mix of Nigeria’s most forward-thinking entrepreneurs, tech developers, and industry veterans. While the energy of live pitches and brilliant ideas fuels the atmosphere, the real essence of the event lies in its mission, which is to create an exhibit where ideas are tested, refined, and elevated to drive enduring change.
Over the years, CBIE has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most esteemed events for fostering connections between early-stage innovators and established business leaders. Its credibility is not rooted in flashy displays or commercial hype, but in its unwavering dedication to substance especially in how it evaluates participation. At the forefront of this event are the judges, selected as much for their wisdom as for their unwavering integrity.
The Council employs a rigorous selection method to identify its judges, focusing on individuals with proven industry impact, visible leadership, and a history of sound judgment. This year’s panel includes six highly accomplished experts from a spectrum of sectors, each bringing decades of insight and a reputation for impartiality to the task.
Judging at this event is not a matter of opinion rather it is a systematic process rooted in detailed evaluation. Entries are assessed against a well-defined set of criteria, which include innovation and distinctiveness, practical feasibility and growth scalability, relevance and societal impact, financial sustainability, and the delivery and clarity of the overall solution. These benchmarks ensure a consistent, unbiased approach to identifying the most promising ideas.
Prior to the event, each judge undergoes an in-depth orientation on a standardized evaluation framework. This includes focus areas like strategic clarity, the alignment of the problem and solution, execution capabilities, market potential, and team synergy. The ultimate goal is not merely to crown the most polished initiative, but to provide constructive critique that propels founders toward stronger, more resilient ventures.
Among this distinguished group are Tunde Makinde, Amarachi Egwuatu, Zainab Lawani, Obinna Osho, Fatima Yusuf, and Adedotun Adedapo, professionals whose contributions to business and innovation continue to inspire. Their combined perspectives help reinforce CBIE’s core mission: to act not just as a launchpad for startups, but as a crucible where ideas are sharpened and elevated.
By uniting deep expertise with a process grounded in fairness and thoroughness, it has become a gold standard in the innovation ecosystem and remains a vital engine for cultivating the next wave of trailblazing entrepreneurs.
With each annual edition, CBIE not only uncovers emerging talent but strengthens a culture of discipline, excellence, and long-term thinking. Through this approach, they are not just celebrating success but they are nurturing the foundations of legacy.
