 in partnership with SwagCo & Odua Investment){kind=link}
In a landmark move to boost food security and rural livelihoods, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) in partnership with SwagCo & Odua Investment company has officially launched the Sustainable Development of Maize Micro-Enterprise Farmers Project in Oke-Ako, Ekiti State.
The initiative is designed to empower over 100 smallholder farmers in and around the region through enhanced access to inputs, sustainable agricultural practices, and market access.
The flag-off ceremony held on June 17, 2025, was graced by a distinguished gathering of public and private sector leaders, community representatives, and agricultural stakeholders. The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Niyi Adebayo, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to agricultural development as a pillar of economic transformation. He reiterated the state’s commitment to agricultural transformation and lauded the BATN Foundation and its partners for their strategic intervention. “Ekiti is ready for investment and partnership in agriculture. We encourage more collaborative efforts that prioritize the empowerment of our farmers and the sustainability of our food systems,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, described the initiative as “a transformative journey” that goes beyond ceremonial event. “This project is anchored on a simple but powerful vision: to boost maize productivity, promote climate-smart practices, and enable sustainable livelihoods for our farmers. We believe smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of development but drivers of it,” said Mr. Odusanya.
As part of the program, participating farmers will receive improved maize seed varieties that offer higher yield potential and greater resilience to changing climate conditions. They will also benefit from targeted agronomic training and extension services designed to embed smart, sustainable farming practices into their daily operations.
The Foundation also acknowledged the crucial roles played by its technical partners. SwagCo, praised for its innovation in agricultural enterprise, developed the framework that will guide the implementation, while Westlink will serve as the on-ground execution partner ensuring efficient delivery and measurable impact. The Odu’a Investment Company was also commended for its strong commitment to regional development through agricultural empowerment. “This collaboration is a testament to what is possible when the public sector, private enterprise, and development organizations work hand-in-hand. Together, we are sowing seeds of transformation,” added Odusanya.
Addressing the smallholder farmers directly, Odusanya said: “You are the true champions of this project. Your hands shape our food systems.. Your participation and dedication will catalyze agricultural transformation not only in Oke-Ako, but across Ekiti State.”
The GMD of Odu’a Investment Company, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, and the Chairman of SwagCo, Mr. Owolabi Salami, both expressed optimism about the project’s long-term impact on the region, while reaffirming their commitment to supporting inclusive agribusiness development in the southwest.
In attendance were esteemed dignitaries including the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluade; Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company, Mr. Abdulraham Yinusa; Independent Director, Odu’a and Technical Committee Member, BATNF, Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, OON; Chairman of SwagCo, Mr. Owolabi Salami; Managing Director of SwagCo, Dr. Adewale Onadeko, Project Manager, BATNF – Mr Adetola Oniyelu and the Regent of Oke-Ako, Kabiyesi Mrs. Adebayo, representatives of the Ekiti State University, amongst others.
The Oke-Ako community leaders expressed their gratitude, with the Regent of Oke-Ako, Ikole Kabiyesi Mrs. Adebayo, affirming the community’s full support for the initiative and its alignment with the community’s economic and development aspirations.
The project is expected to scale over the coming years, opening new opportunities for farmer-led micro-enterprises, youth engagement in agriculture, and value chain development.The program concluded with ceremonial distributions of starter packs to selected farmers and a symbolic flag-off of field activities. Community members, traditional leaders, and beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, hailing it as a lifeline for local farmers and a catalyst for economic resilience.
The flag-off concluded with a renewed call for sustained investment in rural enterprise and inclusive partnerships that uplift local communities and promote agricultural innovation.
By Ajibola Adedoye