4 Unilorin graduates win N1.5m each on agripreneur programme

Four graduates of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), Kwara State, have won N1.5 million each for participating in the 2024 prestigious BATN Foundation’s Graduate Agripreneur Programme in the institution.

The four graduates who won the money are Mustapha Ibrahim, who presented a proposal on the Tomato Awakening Project (TAP); Olajire Adekunle Sherif, who presented on catfish production; Oluwadare Ogunmonye, for maize production; and Akinboye Anuoluwapo, who presented a proposal on scaling up his tomato paste production.

Speaking during the event which was held at the Faculty of Agriculture, Sasakawa Extension Hall, the General Manager (GM) of the British American Tobacco, Mr Oludare Odusanya, said the initiative was aimed at empowering graduates with entrepreneurial skills and opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Odusanya reiterated the foundation’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria through initiatives like the Graduate Agripreneur Programme.

• Attack on Dangote Refinery will demarket Nigeria, democracy group warns
• NIGERIA DAILY: What You Need To Know About Hepatitis Disease

While noting that the Graduates Agripreneur Programme was a testament to the company’s dedication to nurturing young talents and promoting innovation in agriculture, he said, “And we believe in the potential of these graduates to transform the agricultural landscape and drive economic prosperity.”

He added that each of the four graduates would also receive mentorship and support from industry experts to ensure the successful implementation and growth of their ventures.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university, Prof Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, represented by the Deputy VC (Academics), while highlighting the importance of the programme, said the institution was highly delighted with the programme.

On her part, Professor Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawole, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, noted that the programme was a significant step towards achieving such goals through fostering entrepreneurial spirit among its graduates.