BATN Foundation Awards N1.5M Grants to FUNAAB Graduate Agripreneurs
The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has awarded four Graduate Agripreneurs from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) with grants of N1.5 million each. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, expressed pride in supporting the promising Agripreneurs, acknowledging their potential to impact the agricultural sector and broader economy positively.
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The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has awarded four Graduate Agripreneurs from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) with grants of N1.5 million each, totaling N6 million.
This significant investment was announced at the conclusion of Phase III of the FUNAAB-BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneurs Programme.
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The ceremony took place at the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD) Phase II Building’s Lecture Theatre (Auditorium 1). The Graduate Agripreneur Program is a pioneering initiative designed to empower young talent by engaging post-graduate and undergraduate students in agriculture. The program provides grants, skills development, and mentorship to ensure their success.
The four exceptional Agripreneurs who ultimately received the grants were Miss Oluwafunmilayo Adegboyega and Mr. Oluwaseun Akosile for Broiler Production, and Mr. Johnson Fashina and Mr. Oluwayomi Olajide for Catfish Farming. Other notable participants included Akeem Adeyemi, Moses Abayomi, Akinola Usman, and Bolaji Ololade.
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At the event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Prof. Kola Adebayo, representing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, emphasized the competitive nature of the selection process and praised the BATN Foundation’s support, which expanded the programme’s beneficiaries.
Prof. Kehinde noted the rigorous evaluation based on entrepreneurial skills, innovation, business relevance, financial projections, and presentation skills. Prof. Kehinde stated, “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.”
Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, detailed the evaluation criteria, including the Agripreneurs’ capacity, evidence of entrepreneurial skills, and the uniqueness and logic of their business plans.
Mr. Odusanya expressed pride in supporting the promising Agripreneurs, acknowledging their potential to impact the agricultural sector and broader economy positively.
