The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation has launched a maize micro-enterprise initiative in Oke-Ako, Ekiti State, to empower smallholder farmers and boost food security.

According to a statement, the BATN foundation partnered with SwagCo and Odu’a Investment Company to flag off the Sustainable Development of Maize Micro-Enterprise Farmers Project on June 17.

BATN foundation noted that its initiative targets over 100 maize farmers across Ekiti with improved seed varieties, agronomic training, and market access.

The General Manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, described the project as “a transformative journey” anchored on a vision to “boost maize productivity, promote climate-smart practices, and enable sustainable livelihoods.”

He said, “We believe smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of development but drivers of it.”

The Ekiti State Government Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, who represented Governor Biodun Oyebanji, reaffirmed the government’s support for agriculture as a core of the state’s economic transformation, stating, “Ekiti is ready for investment and partnership in agriculture.

We encourage more collaborative efforts that prioritise the empowerment of our farmers and the sustainability of our food systems.”

According to the foundation, farmers under the scheme will receive high-yield, climate-resilient maize seeds, alongside training in sustainable practices and access to extension services.

Meanwhile, BATN foundation General Manager Odusanya acknowledged the contribution of the project’s technical partners, including SwagCo which he noted developed the implementation framework. He added that Westlink will serve as the on-ground delivery partner.

He also commended Odu’a Investment Company for its role in promoting regional agricultural development, adding “This collaboration is a testament to what is possible when the public sector, private enterprise, and development organisations work hand-in-hand. Together, we are sowing seeds of transformation.”

The Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company, Abdulrahman Yinusa, and the Chairman of SwagCo, Owolabi Salami, expressed confidence in the project’s long-term impact, pledging continued support for inclusive agribusiness in the South-West.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Ekiti Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluade; Independent Director of Odu’a Investment Company and Technical Committee Member at BATNF, Folusho Olaniyan; Managing Director of SwagCo, Adewale Onadeko; Project Manager at BATNF, Adetola Oniyelu, and the Regent of Oke-Ako, Ikole, Tinuade Adebayo.

Adebayo commended the initiative, saying it aligns with local development goals. She noted, “We fully support this project and see it as a lifeline for our people.”

The event ended with the symbolic distribution of starter packs and the official commencement of field activities, as the community pledged to support the project’s success.

The Foundation said the initiative is expected to scale up in the coming years, creating more opportunities for farmer-led enterprises, youth inclusion in agriculture, and rural economic development.