The BATN Foundation has announce its strategic partnership with Odu’a Investment Company Limited’s agribusiness arm, SWAgCo, to strengthen agriculture in South-West Nigeria and empower smallholder farmers through scalable, sustainable, and inclusive initiatives.

Unveiled at the 43rd Annual General Meeting of Odu’a Investment Company Limited on May 15, 2025, this groundbreaking partnership is part of SWAgCo’s N10 billion agribusiness joint venture designed to industrialise agriculture and unlock the full economic potential of the South-West region.

A key initiative under this collaboration is the N65 million maize production project at the Oke-Ako agribusiness hub in Ekiti State.

This programme, currently underway, includes a N32 million revolving grant and aims to support 100 smallholder farmers with access to credit, quality inputs, training, and structured markets.

With support mechanisms designed to enhance productivity, promote farmer cooperation, and increase rural incomes.

The General Manager of the BATN Foundation, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, said the foundation believes strategic partnerships are critical to achieving sustainable development goals and driving inclusive growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

He said the foundation’s collaboration with Odu’a’s SWAgCo is a bold step toward industrialising agriculture and uplifting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of our food systems.

“By combining resources, expertise, and shared vision, this partnership will scale up agricultural productivity, strengthen local value chains, and create long-term economic opportunities for rural communities. We are excited to be part of this transformative journey to build a resilient agricultural future for the region and beyond,” he said.

In attendance at the MoU signing were Board members of the Odua Investment company limited including the Group Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Bimbo Ashiru; Group Independent Director, Odua Investment company, Mrs. Folusho Olaniya; Executive Director, BATN Foundation, Halimat Shuaibu.

Others are, the General Manager, BATN Foundation, Mr. Oludare Odusanya; Chief Executive Officer of SWAgCo, Dr. Theo Adewale Onadeko and representatives from state governments across the SouthWest region and agricultural stakeholders.

This partnership aligns with the BATN Foundation’s mission to empower smallholder farmers, drive food security, and promote inclusive agricultural development.

As more collaborative investments take shape under the SWAgCo initiative, the Foundation remains committed in pursuing efforts and partnerships geared at strengthening the rural agricultural system and more importantly the smallholder farmers.