Ibrahim: Young Innovator Using Technology To Transform Agriculture

Fagbenro Ibrahim is the founder of brahim Farm Academy, an educational and consultancy organisation dedicated to training farmers and young entrepreneurs in modern agricultural techniques and agribusiness.

His mission is clear: to foster a new generation of farmers and strengthen food security across Nigeria.

The academy provides both online and in-person training, offers expert advisory services, and runs practical farm management programmes. Its focus is on promoting sustainable and profitable farming as a viable career path for young people.

Speaking on what inspired him to venture into this field, Ibrahim recalled his early passion for agriculture. “I’ve loved agriculture since primary school, reading books and asking questions to build my knowledge. Because we had no land, I started sack farming in our backyard. On social media, I noticed people constantly asking basic questions like ‘How do I plant tomatoes?’ One day, I decided to share what I knew. I hosted my first poultry farming class, and that’s how the academy began helping farmers,” he explained.

Beyond training farmers, Ibrahim also identified a gap in agricultural education for students seeking university admission. With the introduction of a new JAMB subject combination, Agriculture, Mathematics, English, and Chemistry, many tutorial centres overlooked agriculture as a subject.

“I saw many students struggling to gain admission to study agriculture. Most JAMB tutorial centres didn’t take agriculture seriously because it was new, and people were complaining online. So, I launched a free four-month JAMB class with other subjects at students’ request. They gained immensely and still reach out, but it left me broke. I questioned continuing, but I pushed on by God’s grace,” he said.

Success Stories

Ibrahim’s efforts have already produced remarkable results. To him, “I have recorded many success stories. I have successfully trained many students who have seen their crops thrive. For example, I trained a woman named Omomessi in Ekiti State. She surprised me, initially, I thought she was a young lady but later it turned out that she is an elderlywoman. So after her tomato harvest, she sent me a video eating raw tomatoes and expressed happiness about producing organic, fresh fruit.

“I also trained farmers abroad in Tanzania and the UAE who were particularly impressed with farming techniques I taught them. Personally, I harvested a bountiful vegetable last year, sold and shared produce with friends and even strangers after securing good profits.”

Challenges

He said: “There have been many. My first attempt at potato farming was a setback when thieves stole the entire crop just before harvest. In poultry farming, despite vaccination and care, I lost all my broilers at one point, which was disheartening. My parents encouraged me to keep going, and I eventually saw success.

“Another challenge came from running a free agricultural JAMB tutorial for four months. Although students benefited greatly, the programme left me financially strained.”

Advice

Ibrahim urged newcomers to agriculture to prioritise knowledge. “My advice is to acquire adequate training in both crop and livestock production. Start small with what you have. Don’t quit your job suddenly if you want to enter the agricultural space . But manage both until your venture stabilises,” he advised.

He also emphasised resilience in agricultural education. “Endurance is vital. People may doubt you or criticise you for charging for courses, even calling you a scammer. But success requires sacrifice. Even free programmes demand effort. You have to stand firm, stay consistent, and keep pushing forward,” he said.

Biography

Ibrahim is a 300-level student in the Department of Animal Production and Health at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), where he serves as Treasurer of the Nigeria Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), FUNAAB chapter.

Originally from Ogun State but raised in Lagos, he combines his academic pursuits with a passion for agricultural innovation and youth empowerment, positioning himself as a rising voice in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.