The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has awarded N10 million to the winners of its 2025 flagship Farmers for the Future (F4F) Programme, inspiring young Nigerians to view agriculture as a viable and scalable business.
The awards were presented during the recent biennial Agribusiness Dialogue Session held in Lagos, which explored the theme, “Is the Smallholder Farmer Financeable?”
Launched in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the F4F initiative seeks to shift the perception of agriculture from a last-resort occupation to a platform for innovation, enterprise, and opportunity.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Oludare Odusanya, general manager of BATNF, said:
“The vision of Farmers for the Future is to show young Nigerians that agriculture is not just survival; it is innovation, enterprise, and opportunity.”
Odusanya added that by providing financing, mentorship, and networks, BATNF is nurturing a new generation of agripreneurs who will enhance food security, create jobs, and support Nigeria’s economic diversification.
Six agripreneurs were selected as winners, with Daniel Akogwu Jacob of Aretecom Limited taking first place and receiving N3 million, Emmanuel Mary of Zibah Foods and Akinloye John of Geentead Farm NG placing second with N2 million each, and Ikhahon Robinson of Heabron Farm Limited, Adetuberu Sikeade of Lycos Nutrients Enterprises, and Haruna Godwin of Yaroson Agro Business placing third with N1 million each.
Beyond financial support, winners will receive capacity building, business development guidance, and inclusion in the F4F alumni community, offering continued exposure and partnership opportunities.
Previous winners, such as Pemnia Wellness, have leveraged grants to move from prototype to market, secure regulatory approvals, expand product lines, and engage women farmers in their supply chains.
“These success stories reinforce BATNF’s belief that supporting youth is one of the surest ways to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”
Source: Business Day
