Foundation Links Youth Investment To Food Security, Economic Prosperity

The BATN Foundation has tied increased investment in young Nigerians to improved food security and sustainable economic development.

Marking International Youth Day 2026, the Foundation said agriculture and entrepreneurship present the fastest routes to absorb Nigeria’s growing youth population and build national prosperity, calling for more funding and policy support in the sector.

The Foundation noted that “while young people across Nigeria face different social, economic and geographic realities, they share common aspirations for education, employment, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in nation building.”

Speaking on the significance of the day, the general manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, said Nigeria’s youthful population represents a powerful force for innovation, enterprise and economic transformation if supported with the right opportunities and resources.

“International Youth Day reminds us that young people, regardless of their background or circumstances, share a common desire to build productive lives, create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.

“The responsibility of governments, development institutions and the private sector is to create the enabling environment that allows these aspirations to flourish,” he said.

According to him, youth empowerment goes beyond access to education. It requires practical skills development, entrepreneurship support, mentorship, access to finance and opportunities that enable young people to translate ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Odusanya stressed that empowering young people is not only a social responsibility but also an economic imperative.

“Young people are not simply beneficiaries of development. They are innovators, problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and job creators. Every investment made in youth today strengthens communities, stimulates economic activity and secures the future of our nation.”

The Foundation further called on governments, development agencies, educational institutions and private sector organisations to strengthen investments in youth-focused programmes that build skills, expand access to finance, encourage innovation and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

For over two decades, the BATN Foundation has invested in programmes that promote economic inclusion, sustainable agriculture and youth entrepreneurship across Nigeria. Since inception, the Foundation has invested over N5 billion in development initiatives, reached more than 1.7 million Nigerians, and empowered over 300,000 smallholder farmers through various interventions.

As Nigeria continues to harness its demographic advantage, BATN Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to equip young people with the tools, knowledge and support required to thrive in an evolving economy.