To support young innovators in Nigeria’s farming industry, the BATN Foundation took an ambitious step by granting funds to 18 exceptional alumni from FUNAAB, the University of Ilorin, and the University of Ibadan. These awards were made under their 2025 Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP).
This project, focused on enhancing food security, promoting sustainable practices, and empowering young entrepreneurs via agriculture-related enterprises, resulted in selecting innovative businesses across various sectors within the agrifood chain—from growing cassava and raising chickens to forestry management, honey production, and cultivating tomatoes. Every chosen individual was granted an initial sum of ₦1.5 million along with guidance and professional assistance to start up and expand their respective agricultural endeavors.
In FUNAAB, the event took place in the Green Chamber of the University Senate Building, honoring victors such as Habeebullahi Tijani for his work with cassava, Ajibade Patience for poultry egg production, and Oke Michael for broilers and adding value through various processes, amongst several others.
Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Prof. Kola Adebayo (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Development), acknowledged BATN Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering job creators via agricultural initiatives.
Similarly, at the University of Ilorin, six graduates: Abdulahi Ayomide (Sorghum cultivation), Aliu Abdulbasit Olamilekan (Sweet corm farming), Uthman Oladipo (Poultry farming), Olorunmaiye Cynthia (Broiler production), Iliyas Elijah Danladi (Broiler production), and John Olumide Adeyemi (Vegetable farming) emerged winners following a highly competitive pitch process.
The event was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, along with other key university administrators who reiterated their dedication to producing graduates focused on finding solutions.
The version of the event organized by the University of Ibadan took place at the Faculty of Agriculture and honored six pioneering enterprises, such as fish farming, animal husbandry, and an eco-friendly beekeeping project.
Akintayo Akintunde (Beekeeping) and Khadeejah Owolabi (Meat Processing) received acclaim for their innovative approaches and commitment to sustainable practices.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the BATN Foundation, stated:“These young agripreneurs are a shining example of what’s possible when youth are given the right tools and support. At BATN Foundation, we are not just funding projects; we are investing in a future where agriculture becomes a vibrant space for youth innovation and economic transformation.
The Graduate Agripreneur Program showcases our dedication to fostering talent, enhancing food security, and contributing to Nigeria’s overall developmental aims. These graduates have the potential to establish successful agrarian enterprises and spark a fresh agricultural transformation spearheaded by youthful Nigerians.
By maintaining partnerships with educational organizations and various stakeholders, the BATN Foundation aims to strengthen its mission for a more sustainable and thriving agricultural sector. The group from the 2025 General Agricultural Program illustrates the immense potential of young Nigerians and how targeted investments in people can drive significant change.
As part of an important step towards empowering young people and promoting agriculture, the BATN Foundation supports 18 talented graduating agri-entrepreneurs from three prominent universities: the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and the University of Ibadan (UI). These individuals receive the Graduate Agripreneurship Grant.
The BATN Foundation is fostering a new wave of agricultural entrepreneurs through its Graduate Agripreneur Program. This initiative assists recently graduated agriculture students by providing them with essential support tools for success. Each participant receives an N1.5 million cash award, along with access to farmland resources, guidance from seasoned mentors within the sector, and entry into a dynamic community of leading figures in agribusiness.
Across every participating institution, six promising young entrepreneurs were chosen via an intensive business pitch competition highlighting their groundbreaking and expandable concepts within the agritech sector. These ventures cover various aspects of agriculture, including cassava farming, chicken raising, tree growing, honey production, and market gardening. This initiative seeks to shift these individuals from being job hunters to employers by transforming conventional views of agriculture—from merely providing sustenance—to establishing robust commercial enterprises.
“The Graduate Agripreneur Program represents a targeted commitment to young people in agriculture,” stated Mr. Dare Odusuya, the General Manager of BATN Foundation.
By helping graduates transform their scholarly expertise into practical business ventures, we are not just lowering joblessness but also enhancing national food security and boosting economic development.
Each school’s event featured notable stakeholders.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development) at FUNAAB, Prof. Kola Adebayo; along with high-ranking officials from the University of Ibadan attended the events, underscoring their robust backing for advancements in agriculture and the empowerment of young people.
At the event held at UNILORIN, Vice Chancellor Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, commented: “This collaboration represents the future of agriculture—a realm where innovation, young people, and capital come together. It’s an honor for us to participate in this change.”
The University of Ilorin’s Olorunmaiye Cynthia conveyed her heartfelt gratitude, stating: “Receiving the GAP grant is an extraordinary chance that will transform my life. I extend my thanks to the BATN Foundation for placing their trust in my initiative and to the University of Ilorin for providing a supportive environment where youthful talent can flourish.”
At FUNAAB, Habeebullahi Tijani, one of the recipients, expressed his enthusiasm: “The aspect that excites me the most is the mentoring program. Being a young individual involved in agriculture, I now feel more prepared to expand my cassava processing business and offer job opportunities within my local area.”
From the University of Ibadan, Akintayo Akintunde, one of the grant recipients, said: “This grant is a game-changer for me. I’ve always dreamt of running a Apiary business, and now I have the capital, the land, and the right mentors to make it happen. I’m truly grateful to BATN Foundation for believing in young farmers like us.”
My aspiration of establishing the largest honeybee farm in Nigeria is slowly turning into reality.
The organization stays dedicated to strengthening rural Nigeria and establishing routes toward environmentally friendly farming methods. Through programs such as the Graduate Agripreneur Scheme, it persists in promoting creativity, toughness, and young leaders within agriculture, aiming for enduring commercial growth and lasting effects.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
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