The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has awarded four agripreneur graduates of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with N6 million.
BATNF awarded N1.5 million grants each to six agripreneur graduates of the FUNAAB-BATNF programme, totalling N6 million.
Kola Adebayo, deputy vice-chancellor, who represented Babatunde Kehinde, vice-chancellor of the varsity, in a statement highlighted the competitive nature of the selection process.
He emphasised the meticulous evaluation based on entrepreneurial skills, innovation, business relevance, financial projections, and presentation skills.
“The selection process was highly competitive, and the committee’s decision was based on the outstanding presentations made by the participants,” Kehinde said.
He added that the programme underscores the commitment of the school to foster skills among students, preparing them for a successful career in agriculture.
According to a statement, the purpose of the Graduate Agripreneur Programme is to empower promising young minds by engaging post-graduate and undergraduate students in agriculture.
Also, it provides access to grants, skills development, and mentorship, equipping participants with the knowledge and drive to succeed, while fostering a new generation of skilled and passionate leaders.
Additionally, the programme aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and food security in Nigeria.
Following a rigorous selection process, nine applicants with the most compelling documentation and business plans were shortlisted to present their ideas.
Eventually, four winners were awarded including Oluwafunmilayo Adegboyega and Oluwaseun Akosile for Broiler Production, Johnson Fashina and Oluwayomi Olajide for Catfish Farming.
Other notable participants of Phase III included Akeem Adeyemi, Moses Abayomi, Akinola Usman, and Bolaji Ololade.
Oludare Odusanya, general manager of the BATNF, outlined the criteria used for evaluation, which included the agripreneurs’ capacity, evidence of entrepreneurial skills, and the uniqueness and logic of their business plans.
“We are proud to support these promising Agripreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional potential and innovative thinking. Their success will undoubtedly contribute to the agricultural sector and the broader economy,” he said.
A recipient of the Phase II grant for Broiler Production, Aderanti Oni, shared her story, attributing her passion for a healthy nation to her dedication to agriculture.
Oni said she has completed three production cycles of 400 birds first cycle, and 350 birds second and third cycles since receiving the grant.
The panel of judges included university and BATNF officials, such as Adewusi Agbotoba, representative of the acting registrar and the council affairs officer, who remarked that “the quality of submissions this year has been exceptional, reflecting the high calibre of talent and innovation among FUNAAB students.”
Moving forward, BATN Foundation said it remains committed to expanding its reach and impact through strategic partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and the government.
Adding that by scaling up its initiatives, BATN Foundation aims to create more opportunities for young agripreneurs across Nigeria, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
