By Henry Ojelu

The BATN Foundation has empowered 17 young agripreneurs drawn from three Nigerian universities with equity-free grants totalling N25.5 million under its 2026 Graduate Agripreneur Programme, GAP.

The initiative, which held across the University of Ilorin, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, was designed to support youth-driven agricultural enterprises and promote sustainable food production.

Each of the successful participants received N1.5 million grants to scale their agribusiness ideas spanning precision farming, poultry and livestock production, agro-processing, agritech innovations and commercial beekeeping.

Speaking on the initiative, General Manager of BATN Foundation, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, said the programme was aimed at positioning young Nigerians at the forefront of agricultural transformation and economic growth.

According to him, deliberate investments in youths remain critical to securing Nigeria’s future in agriculture and food sustainability.

“Young people remain critical to the future of agriculture in Nigeria. Through initiatives like GAP, BATN Foundation continues to create platforms that support innovation, enterprise development and sustainable agricultural solutions among youths,” he said.

Odusanya explained that the Graduate Agripreneur Programme forms part of the Foundation’s broader Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme targeted at bridging funding gaps for young entrepreneurs through grants, mentorship and technical support.

He noted that beyond financial support, the Foundation was focused on building resilient and scalable agribusinesses capable of driving long-term transformation in the agricultural sector.

The pitch sessions attracted young innovators who presented business models before panels comprising agricultural experts and business development consultants. Entries were assessed based on originality, scalability, sustainability, financial viability and market potential.

Since inception, the programme has empowered over 60 graduate agripreneurs and disbursed more than N90 million in grants to support emerging agribusiness ventures across the country.

At the University of Ilorin, beneficiaries included Joseph Awoniyi, Bisola Sulei, Abdulrafiu Akanbi, Sunday Oloba, Olabanji Fehintola and Adeola Ayilara.

Those selected from FUNAAB were Sunday John Alomaja, Omotayo Arowosegbe, Temitayo Abisodun Eletu, Abimbola Oyetade, Hezekiah Toyinbo, Elizabeth Oshungboye and Odunayo Fakeye.

At Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, the successful participants were Kenneth Azubike, Chukwudi Emmanuella Chimechellum, Ogwuru Prince George and Grace Omabe.

The Foundation said the intervention became necessary at a time Nigeria is intensifying efforts towards economic diversification, food security and sustainable rural development through youth-led enterprises.