Resilience in Agriculture: How Emem Alban is Pioneering Sustainable Practices in Nigeria
Emem Aniekanabasi Alban is nothing if not insightful. She describes herself as a serious-minded agricultural entrepreneur who can create opportunities where there seem to be none – and she’s right. After just a few short years of operation, she and her business partners are poised to transform their local food systems and take agriculture to the next level.
Emem comes from the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria Akwa Ibom State. Although it’s been described as the country’s Land of Promise – even in the agriculture sector – aren’t always plentiful, and food security for the state’s residents is still far from guaranteed.
Emem Aniekanabasi Alban, born on November 19, 1984, in Lagos Mainland With an educational foundation, including a BSc in Brewing Science and Technology from the University of Uyo and an MSc in Crop Science, Alban has leveraged her knowledge to make substantial contributions to the economy.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2011, where she served as a teacher in Rivers State, Alban ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing Emani Farms Giant Ltd. Which specializes in the commercial production of livestock feed under the trademarked brand “Giant Feeds.”
Despite graduating from university with a degree in Crop and soil science, Emem couldn’t find a good job at first. That changed in 2012, when she heard about an opportunity to join an agricultural training programme.
She had no idea that there was anything special about Livestock feed before she started the training programme, But even in the beginning when she still had no experience, she could see that it was going to be a very good business.”
After Emem finished the programme in April 2012, she decided to try out what she had learned. She started out farming on just half a hectare of land, not too far from where her father had always farmed corn.
Her first business season was a success. By the end of the season, she had made enough of a profit to expand to three hectares.
By 2014, she was ready to do what must have seemed impossible to her just two years before: become an employer. The profits from her first business allowed her to hire two day workers to help her on the livestock business. Not long after, she partnered with three other young entrepreneurs and founded a business called Hydroponics crop production/ Agri commodities trading.
One of Hydroponic crop main activities is producing and selling exotic vegetables. Emem has always been an optimist, especially when it comes to agriculture. She was confident that the number of local farmers willing to pay for quality certified feeds and vegetables would continue to grow if they could see the increased for themselves.
Emem’s impact reaches far beyond her business pursuits. Through her nonprofit organization, End Hunger Humanitarian Initiative, she has dedicated herself to fighting hunger and empowering communities in Akwa Ibom State. Emem and her team have conducted outreach programs in various villages, including Esit Eket, Udung Uko, and Ikot Abio Ikpa, providing essential support to the less privileged and even conducting quarterly visits to local prisons.
Despite her numerous contributions, Emem’s work has yet to receive official recognition from the government. However, her personal accolades speak volumes about her commitment to leadership and community service. She was awarded a Doctorate degree in Transformational Leadership and Business Administration from an institute in the United Kingdom and participated in a Global Business Leadership Development Program in Rome, Italy.
As a pioneer in her field, Emem Aniekanabasi Alban exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community service. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, who seek to make a difference in their communities. Through her work, she continues to pave the way for others, proving that dedication and passion can lead to significant social impact.
