BATN Foundation empowers 17 agripreneurs with N25.5m grants

The BATN Foundation has awarded N25.5 million in grants to 17 graduate agripreneurs as part of its 2026 Graduate Agripreneur Programme, aiming to boost youth entrepreneurship and agricultural development in Nigeria. The foundation announced that each recipient received an equity-free grant of N1.5 million after competing in pitch events at the University of Ilorin, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

This program is a key component of the foundation's Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme, designed to equip young Nigerians with the necessary funding, mentorship, and technical support to transform their innovative agricultural ideas into successful businesses. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting young people who are driving the future of agriculture in Nigeria.

Participants presented a diverse range of business ideas spanning precision crop cultivation, poultry and livestock production, agro-processing, agritech, and commercial beekeeping. A panel of agricultural experts and business development consultants evaluated the proposals based on originality, financial viability, scalability, sustainability, and market potential.

Beyond financial grants, the program focuses on helping beneficiaries build sustainable agribusinesses that can contribute to Nigeria's economic growth and food security. Since its inception, the BATN Foundation has empowered over 60 graduate agripreneurs, disbursing more than N90 million to support early-stage agricultural enterprises. The foundation highlighted that this initiative aligns with national efforts to promote economic diversification, strengthen food systems, and create employment opportunities through youth-led agricultural ventures.

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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.