BATN Foundation Empowers MOUAU Graduates with Business GrantsDike Onwuamaeze

In a bid to expand its youth agripreneurship initiative, the BATN Foundation, through its flagship Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP), has broadened its mission to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders with the addition of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Imo State, to its growing network of partner institutions.

At an award and pitch ceremony held on the MOUAU’s campus on Thursday, four outstanding graduates, namely Ibiam Chioma, Ugwu Chibuzor, Uwa Chukwuemeka, and Ngama Vivian were awarded agribusiness grants under the GAP initiative.
The four newly inducted MOUAU beneficiaries have joined a growing network of GAP’s alumni who are redefining agribusiness across Nigeria, creating jobs, boosting food production, and demonstrating the transformative power of youth-led agriculture.

This year alone, the Foundation has empowered 22 graduates agripreneurs in four leading agricultural universities with a cumulative investment of over ₦33 million.
This investment is dedicated to strengthening youth-led agribusiness in Nigeria with resources to launch and scale agribusiness ventures across various agricultural value chains.
It also affirmed BATN Foundation’s role as a catalyst for youth empowerment and rural development within this current year.

The GAP initiative, which was launched to create pathways for young graduates in agriculture, has already made significant impact in institutions such as the University of Ibadan (UI), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
With MoUAU now on board, the foundation has continued to build a pipeline of agripreneurs equipped with funding, mentorship, and enterprise development skills.

The General Manager of BATN Foundation, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, said: “Our commitment is not just to provide grants, but to create platforms where youths in agriculture can thrive, innovate, and lead transformation within the sector.
“With over 22 graduates empowered through GAP in 2025 alone, we are proud to be nurturing the next generation of agribusiness champions.”

Odusanya added that the GAP initiative is a launchpad for young agripreneurs to create viable, scalable businesses that contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic resilience.
He said: “We are proud to collaborate with MoUAU and celebrate the success of these driven graduates.”

The award ceremony attracted senior dignitaries from MOUAU.
Among those in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Maduebibi Ofo Iwe; Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Nneoma Elechi Obasi and Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, and other principal officers of the school.

These academic leaders joined members of the foundation team to celebrate the recipients’ dedication, resilience, and entrepreneurial vision.

The awardees emerged after a rigorous selection process that assessed their potential for enterprise growth, innovation, scalability and sustainability.

For the BATN Foundation, GAP is more than a grant programme; it is a strategic platform to build a pipeline of job creators and solution builders capable of addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
By equipping young graduates with capital, mentoring, and business support, the foundation has demonstrated its enduring commitment to shaping a generation ready to lead with integrity, innovation, and impact.

As the initiative continues to expand, the foundation reiterated its resolve to empower even more graduates, ensuring that young Nigerians are not only educated but also equipped to create sustainable livelihoods and drive inclusive growth for the nation.