BATN Foundation Advocates Youth Investment for Growth

The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation urged for sustained investment in young Nigerians to facilitate economic transformation, marking the 2026 International Youth Day with the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” General Manager Oludare Odusanya stated that Nigeria's youthful population could significantly contribute to innovation and economic growth if provided with adequate opportunities. The foundation has invested over ₦5 billion in development initiatives over two decades, impacting more than 1.7 million Nigerians and empowering over 300,000 smallholder farmers.

Its flagship programs, such as the Graduate Agripreneur Programme and Farmers for the Future, focus on nurturing agricultural entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and financial support. In 2026, ₦25.5 million in equity-free grants were awarded to 17 young agripreneurs from three universities.

The foundation is also implementing the seventh cohort of the Farmers for the Future program, providing additional grants to support youth in agribusiness.