BATN Foundation has awarded ₦25.5 million in equity-free grants to 17 graduate agripreneurs to support the growth of agribusiness ventures capable of creating jobs, enhancing food security, and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Each beneficiary received a grant of ₦1.5 million following a competitive pitching process conducted at the University of Ilorin, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
The 2026 Graduate Agripreneur Programme forms part of the Foundation’s Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme, which provides funding, mentorship, and technical support to young agricultural entrepreneurs.
General Manager Oludare Odusanya said the initiative recognises young people as critical drivers of agricultural transformation, innovation, and employment generation.
“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,” Odusanya said.
He noted that the programme is designed to deliver more than short-term financial assistance by helping participants build viable and sustainable enterprises.
“The programme goes beyond providing grants by helping beneficiaries build sustainable agribusinesses capable of contributing to the country’s economic growth and food security,” he added.
The Foundation said the initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote youth entrepreneurship, strengthen agricultural productivity, and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians while supporting long-term economic development.
