This year, BATN Foundation Nigeria once again highlighted the innovative potential of Nigerian youth by unveiling the winners of the prestigious Farmers for the Future (F4F) Cohort 5.0 program in a captivating virtual finale. The event showcases the unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture. The F4F program aims to equip young agripreneurs with the tools and resources to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
From the many applicants for this year’s program, twenty semi-finalists were selected to join the Agripreneurship Program (AEP) implemented by Fate Foundation. Renowned for its intensive capacity building program, the program concluded with a pitch session before a panel of experienced judges. As a result, six exceptional young agripreneurs were chosen to redefine Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance.
Leading the cohort is Tolu Ajibola, the visionary CEO of Tolu Ajibola Farms, who won the grand prize of N3 million in equity-free capital. His business, which focuses on integrating sustainable practices and innovative technologies into agriculture, won over the judges. Tolu expressed gratitude: “This win is more than just an award; it is a validation of my dreams. The F4F program has armed me with the skills, ideas and resources to grow my business and contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture in Nigeria. The journey has been challenging but transformative, and I look forward to inspiring others in my field.”
In securing second place, Chinaza Naomi Mbah, Founder of Nana’s Delight Foodstuff, and Aishat Albashir, CEO of A&A Green Farms, each received N2 million to propel their businesses. Chinaza, who is redefining food processing and distribution, expressed his excitement: “The mentorship, guidance and exposure I have gained through this programme is invaluable. F4F has enabled me to innovate, scale and impact the agricultural value chain in Nigeria.”
The other finalists, Kanadi Usman (CEO of Ukdembos Enterprise), Abubakar Yakubu (CEO of Binyakub Aquaculture Center) and Emediong Effiong (CEO of Agro Tech Hub), each received N1 million to support their initiatives. These agripreneurs are making waves in areas ranging from aquaculture to technology-based agricultural solutions, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit that the F4F programme seeks to foster.
BATN Foundation Project Manager, Adetola Oniyelu, highlighted the importance of youth-led agricultural transformation: “Programmes like Farmers for the Future are not just investments in individuals; they are investments in the future of the nation. We are proud to empower these agripreneurs, who are not only creating jobs but also pioneering sustainable practices that will move the agricultural sector forward. This year’s winners have proven that innovation, passion and resilience are the catalysts for change.”
In addition to financial grants, the winners are now part of F4F’s prestigious alumni network, providing them with access to mentorship, peer-to-peer collaborations and industry linkages. These resources will serve as a springboard to grow their businesses and navigate Nigeria’s complex agricultural landscape. The F4F 2024 Cohort 5.0 is a testament to BATN Foundation’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and unemployment through innovative youth-focused programs. By empowering the next generation of agripreneurs, the Foundation is reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable agricultural ecosystem. As Tolu Ajibola and his fellow winners embark on the next chapter of their journey, their stories serve as an inspiration to young Nigerians, confirming that the future of agriculture is not only bright but also limitless.