Young entrepreneurs get N2m seed grants from Shield Africa

Shield Africa Sustainability and Development Initiative, on Friday, gave two million naira grants to young entrepreneurs in the agricultural value chain, empowering them to upscale their productions. They were honoured in Abuja at the Shield Africa summit 2024 and Shield Africa’s Agri-preneur of the year award, with the theme, ‘Advancing Sustainable Development: Integrative Solutions for […]

Shield Africa Sustainability and Development Initiative, on Friday, gave two million naira grants to young entrepreneurs in the agricultural value chain, empowering them to upscale their productions.

They were honoured in Abuja at the Shield Africa summit 2024 and Shield Africa’s Agri-preneur of the year award, with the theme, ‘Advancing Sustainable Development: Integrative Solutions for Food Insecurity & Poverty through Youth & Women Empowerment’.

Speaking, Mrs Osenaga Orokpo, CEO of the Shield Africa Sustainability and Development Initiative, said to grow as a country Nigeria must confront “hunger, inflation, the pressures of a rapidly growing population, and the haunting reality of a generation that might lose its agricultural backbone”.

Orokpo said: “When I think about the potential doom that could befall our beloved continent if summits like this are not held as a matter of urgency and strategic decisions and partnership made to tackle the issues of hunger, unemployment, and poverty through agriculture and how there seems to be a huge cloud of unawareness and negligence from the teeming population of young people, it appears to me that ‘There’s indeed fire on the mountain and nobody seems to be on the run’.”

She said her organization’s focus is to secure Africa’s future through sustainable agriculture that champions food security, youth empowerment, and gender inclusivity.

“When you think of Shield Africa, envision a movement committed to transforming the agricultural landscape across Africa; providing the tools, training, and opportunities to empower young farmers, promote equal roles for women, and drive local food production.

“Through our targeted programs and comprehensive support, we create pathways for youth and women to take active roles in driving economic stability and resilience in their communities. As we scale our efforts, our vision for Africa remains one where every person, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from a thriving agricultural sector, making Shield Africa synonymous with sustainable growth and equal opportunity, committed to protecting our food systems, land, and waterbodies for generations to come,” she said.

Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, said the untapped potential in Africa’s rural economies holds the key to food security, economic resilience, and poverty alleviation on a scale that would not only transform communities but inspire the world.

1. “The opportunities are here—what we do with them is what really counts. We can desire to make a change but if we don’t get on the field to make that change, nothing will change for good.

“Imagine a future where every village has access to technology, where farmers are connected to markets across Africa, and where agriculture becomes the engine that powers our economies. Imagine a future where Africa, not only feeds herself but feeds the world. This vision is within reach, but it requires commitment, collaboration, and innovation,” Ode added.