By Augusta Uchediunor

GOLDEN MORN, one of Nestlé Nigeria’s leading brands, has presented seed funds to help 25 young agripreneurs who emerged  winners of the Agripreneurship programme in 2023 to scale their businesses.

The GOLDEN MORN Agripreneurship Webinar Series is a collaborative initiative between the brand and the Enterprise Development Center of the Pan Atlantic University, designed to promote sustainable food systems by increasing youth engagement in the agricultural sector.

The programme provides training, financial assistance, mentorship, and networking opportunities to young entrepreneurs involved in, or aspiring to venture into agriculture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 2,000 young agripreneurs have benefited from the initiative since its inception in 2021.

At the presentation of grants to the successful Agripreneurs, Wassim Elhusseini, MD & CEO of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, emphasised the pivotal role of youth involvement in agriculture for building sustainable food systems.

“To establish sustainable food systems, we must ensure youth participation in agriculture.

“Nestlé is therefore dedicated to helping young people develop the capabilities and
skills they need to drive innovation in agriculture.

“Today, as we celebrate and empower the 25 agribusinesses who have demonstrated exceptional dedication
and passion for shaping the future, we are delighted with the positive impact of the continuous investment by GOLDEN MORN.”

In a statement, the Project and Finance Manager of the Enterprise Development Center (EDC), Pan Atlantic University, Obianuju Okafor said: “The Enterprise Development Center is thrilled to partner with Golden Morn to provide essential skills and knowledge to young agripreneurs.

“The Webinar Series has been impacting individuals and businesses since 2021 with a focus on best practices in
agribusiness.

“This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to empower and enhance the offerings of aspiring agripreneurs, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector”.

Chukwudi Imhokha, CEO Azimhoc Ventures, Delta, expressed  delight on behalf of all the beneficiaries of GOLDEN MORN Agripreneurship Webinar Series and the grant recipients.

“The journey with Nestlé’s Golden Morn has been a great learning opportunity. The trainings on adopting business models and circularity for Business Sustainability and Profitability were particularly value adding and very practical for me.

“We are so grateful to Golden Morn and by extension Nestlé, for the huge investment in young people through this laudable initiative”.

On her part, Rakiya Sadiq, CEO, Zulru Integrated Farms, Abuja while commending the brand for the grant for her business said, “I was about to stop this business due to some limiting factors.

“But the training and subsequent support from Nestlé’s Golden Morn has encouraged me to continue the business of maize, soyabeans and rice farming”.

The presentation marks a significant stride in their journey for business expansion for the twenty-five beneficiaries from the five editions of the GOLDEN MORN Agripreneurship Webinar Series held in 2023. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu