By Raymond Osemene

In a bid to promote agripreneurship among fresh graduates, six former students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) have emerged as recipients of the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) grant, each receiving a cheque of One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira to support their agricultural ventures.

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The outstanding agripreneurs were Habeebullahi Tijani, who managed a Cassava Plantation; Ajibade Patience, who focused on Layers Bird and Egg Productions; Oke Michael and Okunade Blessing, both of whom engaged in Broiler Productions, with Oke Michael also involved in processing; Ogunmefun Felix, who specialised in Egg Productions; and Fadipe John, who cultivated Tomatoes.

The grant presentation ceremony, held at the Green Chamber of the University on April 17, 2025, marked another milestone in the strategic partnership between FUNAAB and BATNF. It was aimed at eradicating hunger through youth empowerment in agriculture.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, commended BATNF for its continued investment in FUNAAB students, adding that the University was committed to producing job creators rather than job seekers. He noted that the collaboration with BATNF has been fruitful over the years and continues to deliver impactful results.

Earlier, the General Manager of BATNF and proud alumnus of FUNAAB, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, reaffirmed the Foundation’s dedication to supporting young farmers, urging students to take their academics and entrepreneurial aspirations seriously. He stated that BATNF’s support had been extended to other institutions across Nigeria as part of its broader mandate to promote agricultural development.

Also speaking at the event, the Dean of the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya, disclosed that numerous applications were received, from which eleven were shortlisted. Following the pitch presentations, six finalists were selected as grant awardees.

The highlight of the event was the symbolic cheque presentation to each of the six winners.

Dignitaries present at the occasion included the Dean of the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi; Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke; Dean of the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), Prof. Abimbola Oso, and the Director, Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), Prof. Kazeem Bello.

Others were the Deputy Registrar II, Mrs. Folasade Giwa; and Principal Assistant Registrar, DVC (Development)’s Office, Mrs. Peggy Onomroba, alongside other staff members and participating students.