The BATN Foundation has granted a N6m award to four graduate agripreneurs from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event marked the culmination of Phase III of the FUNAAB-BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneurs Programme, held recently at the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development Phase II Building.
A statement by BATN disclosed that the purpose of the Graduate Agripreneur Programme was to empower promising young minds by engaging post-graduate and undergraduate students in agriculture.
It stated that this initiative provided access to grants, skills development, and mentorship, equipping participants with the knowledge and drive to succeed.
According to the foundation, by fostering a new generation of skilled and passionate leaders, the programme aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and food security in Nigeria.
It explained that nine applicants with the most compelling documentation and business plans were shortlisted to present their ideas after f a rigorous selection process, out of which four outstanding agripreneurs were awarded the grants.
It noted that the winners were Miss Oluwafunmilayo Adegboyega and Mr Oluwaseun Akosile for Broiler Production, Mr Johnson Fashina and Mr Oluwayomi Olajide for Catfish Farming.
Other notable participants of Phase III included Akeem Adeyemi, Moses Abayomi, Akinola Usman, and Bolaji Ololade.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) of FUNAAB, Prof. Kola Adebayo, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, highlighted the competitive nature of the selection process.
The FUNAAB VC praised BATN Foundation’s unwavering support, which had expanded the programme’s beneficiaries to four.
He emphasised the meticulous evaluation of the participants 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.
“This programme underscores our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among our students, preparing them for successful careers in agriculture,” he said.
Also, the General Manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, stated, “We are proud to support these promising agripreneurs, who have demonstrated exceptional potential and innovation.
“Their success will undoubtedly contribute to the agricultural sector and the broader economy.”
A recipient of the Phase II grant for broiler production, Miss Aderanti Oni, shared her inspiring success story, attributing her passion for a healthy nation to her dedication to agriculture.
Since getting the grant, she said, she had finished three production cycles: the first with 400 birds, the second and the third with 350 birds each.
The panel of judges included distinguished university and BATN Foundation officials.
A representative of the Ag. Registrar and the Council Affairs Officer, Mr Adewusi Agbotoba, who was part of the panel, remarked, “The quality of submissions this year has been exceptional, reflecting the high calibre of talent and innovation among FUNAAB students.”
BATN Foundation marked its 20th anniversary in May, where its General Manager, Oludare Odusanya, stated that the foundation had impacted over 1.7 million beneficiaries during this period.
