‘I started my business to boost food security’

Rakiya Sadiq, a graduate of Nasarawa State University, Keffi is the Chief Executive Officer of Zulru Integrated Farms, an integrated farm company specialised in the cultivation of cereal crops and livestock. She was one of the beneficiaries of the Golden Morn Agripreneurship Programme of Nestle Nigeria PLC to help them in scaling their businesses. The 25 winners emerged after the Agripreneurship Webinar Series, in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University, designed to promote sustainable food systems by increasing youth engagement in the agricultural sector. Miss Sadiq, who is one of the beneficiaries, spoke with YouthVille about her business and the prospect of growth in the future.

Tell me about yourself and what you do?

My name is Rakiya Sadiq, CEO, Zulru Integrated Farms. My business was incorporated in January 2021 in Jos, Plateau State, but the farm is presently located in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

My business is into the cultivation of cereal crops such as rice, soya beans, rice and maize, as well as livestock.

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What is it about the agripreneurs grant of Golden Morn/Nestle?

The agripreneur seed grant programme sponsored by Nestle PLC in collaboration with Golden Morn is an initiative that provides funding support for young entrepreneurs within the age range of 18 to 35 who are already engaged or set up a business in the agricultural sector.

How will it help in growing your business?

The seed grant will boost my business in the aspect of securing additional plots of land which would lead to increase in cultivation of crops. If I was producing ten bags before, I would be able to produce 20 bags with this seed grant with maize which is an added advantage.

How many people have you engaged?

I have five workers which are one supervisor, one security guard and three farm workers. One of the major reasons for venturing into this business is that I wanted to help with food security to battle hunger in society.

What were the challenges you faced at the beginning?

My first challenge was lack of technological know-how and also, I had issues with soya fertility but when I detected that soya fertility is one of the major issues, I had to change location and I am now operating at Toro Local Government in Bauchi State.

Other challenges I experienced were low-level irrigation farming, climate change and land degradation. My prospect for the future is to see that I increase my sales to 100 per cent and to also be the top supplier of cereal crops within and outside the country.

Do you find fulfilment doing it?

I have great fulfilment and passion for this business. I am a B.Sc holder and graduate of Business Administration from Nasarawa State University Keffi.

Why do you think it is important for the youth to venture into business?

My advice for the youth out there, especially women, is to try and create an opportunity for themselves instead of waiting for one to be created for them. With that, it can help cut down the issue of unemployment, poverty and hunger as well as food insecurity in Nigeria and our society at large. It can also bring about individual financial freedom.

Will you say you have been able to conquer unemployment with this?

I was able to conquer and take control of every difficulty.

What more do you think the government can do to support youth entrepreneurs?

I would like to suggest that the federal government should include entrepreneurial learning in the educational system and also mentoring of businesses and coaching and as well provide financial access.

How will you advise other corporate organisations to emulate what Nestle has done?

My advice for other corporate organisations is that they should also carry out such initiative and supportive programmes such as what Nestle Nigeria PLC has done which has motivated and empowered hundreds of youths and businesses and has also increased the number of women and youths in business and also has reduced the rate of unemployment in our society.