BATN Foundation Grants N6m to Top Graduate Agripreneurs at FUNAAB
The winners are Miss Oluwafunmilayo Adegboyega and Mr. Oluwaseun Akosile for broiler production, and Mr. Johnson Fashina and Mr. Oluwayomi Olajide for catfish farming.
AKACHI NOEL 
The BATN Foundation has awarded N1.5 million each to four graduate agripreneurs from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), totaling N6 million. The awards were part of the Phase III culmination of the FUNAAB-BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneurs Programme, held on May 23, 2024, at the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development.
The program aims to empower post-graduate and undergraduate students in agriculture by providing grants, skills development, and mentorship. The goal is to drive innovation, sustainability, and food security in Nigeria.
Following a rigorous selection process, nine applicants with compelling business plans were shortlisted, and four outstanding agripreneurs were awarded grants. The winners are Miss Oluwafunmilayo Adegboyega and Mr. Oluwaseun Akosile for broiler production, and Mr. Johnson Fashina and Mr. Oluwayomi Olajide for catfish farming.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Prof. Kola Adebayo, representing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, praised BATN Foundation’s support and highlighted the competitive nature of the selection process. Prof. Kehinde emphasized the program's role in fostering entrepreneurial skills among students, preparing them for successful careers in agriculture.
Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, noted the criteria for evaluation included the agripreneurs' capacity, entrepreneurial skills, and the uniqueness of their business plans. He expressed pride in supporting promising agripreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional potential and innovative thinking.
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Miss Aderanti Oni, a recipient of the Phase II grant for broiler production, shared her success story, completing three production cycles since receiving the grant.
The event featured a panel of judges including university and BATN Foundation officials, who praised the high quality of submissions this year. Looking ahead, BATN Foundation aims to expand its reach and impact through strategic partnerships, creating more opportunities for young agripreneurs across Nigeria.
