By George George Idowu
The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering graduates from the Department of Agriculture at the University of Ilorin with a grant of N1.5 million each to kick start their entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural sector.
The General Manager of BATNF Foundation, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, announced the initiative during a meeting with Prof. Wahab Egbewole, the Vice Chancellor of the University in his office on Monday.
He emphasized the pivotal role in fostering sustainable agricultural development and agricpreneurship in Nigeria.
Odunsanya said the organisation has been supporting smallholder farmers and contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
He pointed out that, over the past two decades, BATNF had initiated various projects across the 36 states of Nigeria.
According to him, the latest endeavour was targeted at empowering young individuals, particularly in the field of agriculture, to excel.
He explained that the foundation chose the University of Ilorin as the location for this project from the North Central Geopolitical zone of Nigeria because of the institution’s commendable track records and success in service delivery.
He explained that the Graduate Agricpreneur Project, which was conceptualized five years ago, sought to inspire young Nigerians to recognize the vast potentials and profitability of agriculture.
“The project is targeted at some misconceptions about farming and show that it is a lucrative and respectable career comparable to Medicine or Law.
“The initiative targets graduates of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ilorin, regardless of whether they are fresh graduates, master’s degree holders, or those pursuing their Ph.D.,” he said.
The general manager also added that his organisation planned to invest over N2 billion on various projects over the next five years.
Reacting, Egbewole expressed gratitude for the partnership, pledging the University’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the project’s success.
He highlighted the initiative’s focus on inspiring and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship among students, particularly in key departments like Agronomy, Animal Production, and Aquaculture and Fisheries.