PHOTOS: Oyo State Female Entrepreneur Wins Swiss-Based Foundation’s Agribusiness N2m Grant
Miss Tobi Ibukunoluwa, an agribusiness entrepreneur who specializes in the field of Vitamin A Maize, Cassava and Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes in Oyo state have won the two million naira free grants of a swiss based foundation, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
The grant under the Microgrant Funding for Nutritious Food Businesses, an initiative launched as part of the Business Support workstream of Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples Project, was aimed at empowering women and youth-led agribusinesses, farmer’s associations, and cooperatives in Nigeria to foster innovation and promote nutritious food products in the region.
Miss Ibukunoluwa, founder, Ibasket.ng foods who became the only shortlisted applicant in Oyo state alongside other winners spread across the country won the grant after passing through thorough scrutiny.
Presenting the cheque at an agribusiness Innovation Clinic held in Ibadan, senior manager, Supply chain for commercialization at GAIN, Mr Godwin Ehiabhi said The GAIN Microgrant Funding Opportunity was not only to support entrepreneurs but to contribute to the larger mission of tackling malnutrition in Nigeria.
Mr. Ehiabhi said “We are excited to celebrate the winner of the GAIN Microgrant Funding for Nutritious Food Businesses in Oyo State, Nutritious Food entrepreneurs are at the forefront of promoting nutrition and food security in their communities. We are confident that these grants will help them expand their reach and make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.”
“In an effort to boost the commercialization of nutrient-enriched food products in Nigeria, GAIN is proud to award N2,000,000 (two million naira) equity-free grant to Ibasket.ng. Ibasket.ng is a woman-owned food processing company involved in the processing and packaging of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) flour, Vitamin A Cassava flour and OFSP puff puff mix, founded by Ibukunoluwa Tubi in Oyo State, Nigeria Ibasket.ng food aims to contribute to reducing deficiency, especially among children, by increasing their access to vitamin A-fortified food and snacks. This grant will enable Ibasket.ng to scale its businesses and continue its vital work in enhancing food security and nutrition.”
Reacting, Miss Tobi Ibukunoluwa who was visibly joyful for the feat, appreciated GAIN for the opportunity noting that the grant came at a time when she was planning expansion for the business.
While advising youths to see the enormous opportunities in agribusiness, Miss Ibukunoluwa said the technical and financial support benefitted from GAIN would go a long way, expressing hope to see more people benefiting from Oyo state in the next applications.
Earlier during the technical session, a resource person, Dr Olapeju Phorbee from Food Agriculture Nutrition Network (FAAN) said, to address the increasing challenges of vitamin A deficiencies in the country, government, farmers and other stakeholders must prioritize producing biofortified staple foods
Also speaking, country manager, Harvest plus, Nigeria, Dr Yusuf Dollah Fou’ad decried the negative effects of climate change on nutrients of staples called for adaptation strategies for climate change on agriculture
The event which had some farmers across Oyo state also hosted commercial, microfinance and insurance companies that provided financial guidelines that farmers could benefit to boast their productions.
Also in attendance were government representatives from the Oyo state ministry of agriculture.
