In a determined push to promote youth-led agriculture and drive economic resilience, the BATN Foundation has awarded agribusiness grants to four graduates of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), under its flagship Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP). With this latest intervention, the Foundation has empowered a total of 22 graduate agripreneurs across four universities in 2025 alone, disbursing over ₦33 million in support of scalable agribusiness ventures.
At a grant award and pitch ceremony held on the MOUAU campus, the Foundation unveiled the new beneficiaries: Ibiam Chioma, Ugwu Chibuzor, Uwa Chukwuemeka, and Ngama Vivian — all young graduates selected for their promising agribusiness ideas and entrepreneurial drive.
The event attracted top university officials including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibi Iwe; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Nneoma Obasi; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Ursula Akanwa, alongside other dignitaries and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the General Manager of BATN Foundation, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, emphasized that the GAP initiative goes beyond financial assistance. “This year alone, we’ve empowered 22 graduate agripreneurs across four of Nigeria’s leading agricultural institutions — MOUAU, University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta — with a total investment exceeding ₦33 million,” he said.
“GAP is more than a grant; it’s a comprehensive empowerment platform that includes mentorship, business development, and strategic support. Our goal is to equip these young agripreneurs with the tools to scale their businesses, create jobs, and ultimately contribute to Nigeria’s food security,” Odusanya added.
He further described the programme as a catalyst for rural development and sectoral innovation, stressing that the Foundation remains committed to nurturing a new generation of ethical, innovative, and impactful agricultural leaders.
“The success stories we’re beginning to see from GAP alumni show that youth-led agriculture is not just viable — it’s transformative. We’re proud to partner with MOUAU and other institutions to build a future where young Nigerians lead the charge in agribusiness innovation,” he concluded.
With GAP expanding its reach and impact, the Foundation reiterated its commitment to sustaining and growing the initiative in collaboration with key stakeholders. The selected graduates are expected to use the grant as seed capital to implement their agribusiness plans, contribute to food production, and drive inclusive economic growth in their communities.
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