BATN Foundation has admonished young graduates to embrace the opportunities offered by the Farmers for the Future (F4F) Grant, a premier agricultural entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower young people with promising agri-business ventures.
Mr. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager, BATN Foundation, who gave the charge, disclosed that the programme provides equity-free capital, bootcamp comprehensive training, mentorship and additional support to help scale these businesses.
He said, “This initiative, created and funded by BATN Foundation in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), is part of BATNF’s unwavering commitment to fostering youth engagement in sustainable agriculture.
“This grant initiative targets current NYSC members to make agribusiness attractive, reduce youth unemployment, drive youth engagement in agriculture, and foster economic development. Through this initiative, participants are trained and empowered in agro practices that position them for long-term success in the agribusiness value chain,” he stressed.
During a recent visit, the BATNF team, led by Mr. Odusanya, met with the new Director of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), Mr. Sunday Robert Aroni, where further collaboration opportunities were explored between BATN Foundation and NYSC, ensuring that the Foundation’s programmes continue to reach and impact more youths than ever before.
Speaking on the visit, the General Manager, BATN Foundation, said, “This partnership with NYSC is critical to our mission of fostering youth engagement in sustainable agriculture. By equipping youths with the skills and resources they need, we are empowering youths to be job creators and helping to secure Nigeria’s agricultural future.”
Echoing this sentiment, the new Director of SAED, Mr. Sunday Robert Aroni, added, “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with BATN Foundation.
“This initiative is a powerful tool for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our young corps members.”
The Farmers for the Future curriculum is designed to provide aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs with the insights and knowledge needed to explore diverse market opportunities and develop a structured business model for strategic growth.
The curriculum is intensive and cover many areas of agricultural entrepreneurship for the benefit of the participants.
Also present were Deputy Director Empowerment, Mr. Alphons Zakaria; Assistant Director SAED, Mrs. Jumai Wagne; and DSAED, Mrs. Delphina Eze.
Participants stand a chance to win a share of the N10 million grant, designed to kickstart or expand their agribusiness ventures. This prize will provide the capital needed to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
By Ajibola Adedoye
