Four graduates from the University of Ilorin in Kwara State have each received N1,500,000 in the 2024 British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) Agripreneur Programme. The recipients, Mustapha Ibrahim, Olajire Adekunle Sherif, Oluwadare Ogunmoye, and Anuoluwapo Akinboye, were awarded for their innovative agricultural project proposals.
Award-Winning Proposals
Mustapha Ibrahim- Tomato Awakening Project
Olajire Adekunle Sherif – Catfish Production
Oluwadare Ogunmoye – Maize Production
Anuoluwapo Akinboye – Tomato Paste Scaling Production
Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF, highlighted the initiative’s aim to equip graduates with entrepreneurial skills in agriculture. “The Graduate Agripreneur Programme is a testament to our dedication to nurturing young talents and promoting innovation in agriculture. We believe in the potential of these graduates to transform the agricultural landscape and drive economic prosperity,” Odusanya stated.
Selection Criteria and Support
The winners were chosen based on the innovation of their proposals, commitment to sustainable practices, and scalability potential. They will receive mentorship and support from industry experts to ensure the successful implementation and growth of their ventures.
University’s Mission Alignment
Professor Olubunmi Omotesho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Ilorin, praised the graduates’ achievements, stating, “We are delighted by the achievements of our graduates in the BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneur Programme. This initiative aligns with our university’s mission to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with practical skills to drive economic growth.”
Impact on Food Security
Recipient Anuoluwapo Akinboye expressed gratitude for the award, noting its importance for food security in Nigeria. “I am honoured to be selected as a winner of the BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneur Program. This award will enable me to scale up my tomato cultivation project and contribute to food security in Nigeria,” he said.
The BATNF Agripreneur Program aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector, equipping young graduates with the resources and support needed to drive economic growth and sustainable development.
