BAT Foundation, Unilorin support agripreneurs with grants

The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation has partnered with the University of Ilorin to award N9m to six graduates under the 2025 Graduate Agripreneur Programme grant.

According to a statement, the Foundation’s General Manager, Oludare Odusanya, said the grant was part of BATN Foundation’s mission to empower visionary young Nigerians who are transforming agriculture with bold ideas.

“At BATN Foundation, we believe the future of Nigeria’s agriculture lies in the hands of young, visionary entrepreneurs,” he noted. “The University of Ilorin has proven once again that it is a hub for innovation, passion, and transformative ideas.”

The six winners include Abdulahi Ayomide, Aliu Olamilekan, Uthman Oladipo, Olorunmaiye Cynthia, Iliyas Elijah Danladi, and John Olumide Adeyemi. Each winner received N1.5m to fund their agribusiness ideas.

The university’s top officials, including the Vice Chancellor, Prof Wahab Egbewole (SAN); Registrar, M.A. Alfanla; Bursar, Abiodun Lawal; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof A.A. Fawole; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof M.A.E. Etudaiye; and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof Oluyemisi Fawole, attended the award ceremony, held at Unilorin’s Faculty of Agriculture

Egbewole described the initiative as a boost to youth empowerment and national development.

“This partnership with the BATN Foundation is a reflection of our shared commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and national development,” he stated. “We are proud of our students for distinguishing themselves.”

The GAP selection process focused on originality, sustainability, and real-world impact.

Beyond funding, the programme includes tailored mentorship and long-term support from agricultural and business experts.

One of the awardees, Olorunmaiye Cynthia, hailed the grant as a major boost for her entrepreneurial journey, stating, “This grant is more than just funding; it is the fuel for a bigger dream to transform agriculture in Nigeria.”

BATN Foundation affirmed that the GAP initiative is part of its broader strategy to work with universities and key stakeholders to promote agribusiness and food security across Nigeria.