In a strategic effort to boost youth-driven innovation and sustainability in Nigeria's agricultural sector, the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has awarded ₦1.5 million each to 18 graduates under its 2025 Graduate Agripreneur Prog… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader BATN empowers young agripreneurs with ₦27 million in grants to drive agricultural innovation By Abimbola Akomolafe on May 15, 2025 In a strategic effort to boost youth-driven innovation and sustainability in Nigeria's agricultural sector, the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has awarded ₦1.5 million each to 18 graduates under its 2025 Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP). The initiative supports young agribusiness entrepreneurs from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the University of Ilorin, and the University of Ibadan, offering seed funding, mentorship, and technical assistance to help them launch and grow their agricultural ventures. The selected businesses span various agricultural value chains including cassava farming, poultry production, fishery, silviculture, vegetable cultivation, meat processing, and beekeeping. At FUNAAB, the winners were celebrated in a ceremony hosted at the university's Senate Building, with recognition given to innovators like Habeebullahi Tijani (cassava) and Oke Michael (poultry and value-added products). The university's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kola Adebayo, commended BATN Foundation's commitment to youth empowerment through agriculture. In Ilorin, six entrepreneurs, including Abdulahi Ayomide (sorghum) and John Olumide Adeyemi (vegetables), stood out after a competitive pitch process. The University of Ilorin's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, reiterated the school's dedication to producing solution-oriented graduates. Read also, Mastering time intelligence for career success BATN empowers young agripreneurs with ₦27 million in grants to drive agricultural innovation USADF visits Lagos, boosts youth, energy, jobs The Power of Reverse Mentorship in Career Growth Leveraging microlearning for continuous career growth The University of Ibadan ceremony featured innovative winners like Akintayo Akintunde (apiary) and Khadeejah Owolabi (meat processing), reflecting a strong focus on sustainability and impact. BATN Foundation's General Manager, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, highlighted that the programme not only funds agribusinesses but also invests in the long-term transformation of Nigeria's food systems. He emphasized the Foundation's mission to build a robust agricultural sector led by the energy and ideas of young Nigerians. By partnering with universities and key stakeholders, BATN Foundation is actively laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural ecosystem, with the 2025 GAP cohort serving as a beacon of what's possible through youth-driven innovation and strategic investment.

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Travis Adkins, President and CEO of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), concluded a four-day working visit to Lagos, Nigeria, from August 18 to 21, aimed at strengthening partnerships that tackle youth and women unemployment, promo… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader USADF visits Lagos, boosts youth, energy, jobs By Busola Bamidele on May 15, 2025 Travis Adkins, President and CEO of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), concluded a four-day working visit to Lagos, Nigeria, from August 18 to 21, aimed at strengthening partnerships that tackle youth and women unemployment, promote gender equity, and support energy access and economic development. During a visit to Reeddi Technologies Limited, a past winner of the USADF/All On Off-Grid Energy Challenge, Adkins announced a new grant to boost the company's climate-tech efforts. The funding will support the design, local assembly, and wider distribution of Reeddi's energy solutions, benefiting SMEs and households in underserved communities. Read also: USADF visits Lagos, boosts youth, energy, jobs The Power of Reverse Mentorship in Career Growth Leveraging microlearning for continuous career growth FCTA's new gaming regulation opens doors for MSME growth SMEs to benefit as FG partners global investors for climate-smart growth Adkins also met with Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), where the USADF-LSETF Memorandum of Understanding was renewed for another five years. The renewed pact targets training 10,000 young Nigerians in trade skills to boost job creation. In a grant ceremony at Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, led by U.S. exchange alumna Omowale Ogunrinde, Adkins awarded funding for a 12-week vocational program set to train 400 youth in hospitality and fashion. Adkins also joined Nigerian NBA star Precious Achiuwa to launch the "What If Youth and Women Empowerment Initiative," a USADF and National Basketball Players Association-supported camp promoting youth development through sports. Since 2001, USADF has committed over $44 million to more than 480 projects in Nigeria, its largest country program in Africa.

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Traditionally, mentorship involves a senior professional guiding someone younger or less experienced. However, reverse mentorship flips that script: younger employees or junior professionals mentor senior colleagues, often on topics like technology, soc… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader The Power of Reverse Mentorship in Career Growth By Olamide Adedara on May 15, 2025 Traditionally, mentorship involves a senior professional guiding someone younger or less experienced. However, reverse mentorship flips that script: younger employees or junior professionals mentor senior colleagues, often on topics like technology, social trends, new tools, or modern workplace culture. Why Reverse Mentorship Matters: Bridges the Generation Gap: It helps older professionals understand the perspectives, values, and behaviors of younger generations—especially Gen Z and Millennials. Accelerates Digital Fluency: Junior employees often bring a fresh grasp of emerging tech, social media, and digital tools that can be crucial for senior leaders. Empowers Junior Talent: Reverse mentoring gives younger employees a voice and builds their confidence and leadership skills early in their careers. Fosters an Inclusive Culture: It promotes mutual respect, breaks down hierarchical barriers, and encourages a culture of continuous learning across levels. How to Implement Reverse Mentorship: Pair Strategically: Match mentors and mentees based on complementary knowledge gaps and mutual interests. Define Clear Goals: Establish what both parties want to learn—be it tech tools, workplace diversity, digital communication, or new management styles. Encourage Open Dialogue: Both mentor and mentee should feel safe to share honestly without fear of judgment or hierarchy. Evaluate Progress: Check in regularly to reflect on what's being learned and how it's being applied professionally. Conclusion: Reverse mentorship isn't just a trend—it's a powerful tool for modern career development. It strengthens organizations, nurtures the next generation of leaders, and ensures that everyone, regardless of age or experience level, continues to learn and evolve.

SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS © 2025. Manage your email settings or unsubscribe. Get the Jetpack app Subscribe, bookmark, and get real‑time notifications - all from one app! Automattic, Inc. 60 29th St. #343, San Francisco, CA 94110