Meet Rising Entrepreneur of the week: Tolulope Ayeyemi
This week, we caught up with another rising agricultural entrepreneur from the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This agripreneur is also a fellow of Harambe Nigeria’s Sustainable Agriculutral and Rural Development program and is currently working on an agricultural business plan which will be launched next year.
Tukeni: Hello Tolulope, we’re glad to have you on our farmland. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Tolulope: Thank you. It’s my pleasure to be here. My name is Tolulope Tobi Ayeyemi. I am a 21-year-old student at the department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife. Furthermore, I am currently in part 4 of a program we call “Farm Year” where we get a hands-on experience in farming techniques.
Tukeni: That sounds exciting. Are you looking to become a farmer or a professional in the agricultural sector?
Tolulope: I believe there is more to agriculture than just farming and that’s what so many young people don’t realize. For me, I would like to become a policy maker in agriculture, making as much impact as possible in the sector.
Tukeni: Impressive and very true! There are many facets of agriculture such as business, technology, policy etc that people ignore. Do you have any other interests or goals within the fellowship program or for the next five years?
Tolulope: I do! And they are many. Some of my objectives include:• Working hard to ensure that agriculture is recognised as a legitimate profession in Nigeria.
• Engaging Nigeria’s youths and making them realize that there is more to agriculture than farming.
• Establishing my own farm to contribute to Nigeria’s food production and distribution and as much as possible, working hard to ensure food security in Nigeria. I am just in the embryonic stage of this mission; but very soon I hope to become a giant in the agriculture field.
• Engaging Nigeria’s youths and making them realize that there is more to agriculture than farming.
• Establishing my own farm to contribute to Nigeria’s food production and distribution and as much as possible, working hard to ensure food security in Nigeria. I am just in the embryonic stage of this mission; but very soon I hope to become a giant in the agriculture field.
Tukeni: Wow! Amen! I’m sure you will. Those are really solid plans. We wish you all the best! So, tell us: apart from being an agricultural enthusiast, what other things are you interested in? Tell us about the other side of Tolulope.
Tolulope: Well, when I’m not discussing topical issues, I love to read. I also love singing and cooking and counselling young people.
Tukeni: [laughs] Tolu the musician, maybe we’ll get you to perform at our first agricultural show in the near future. Thanks for joining us today and I wish you the best in all your endeavours.
Tolulope: Thanks for having me. I look forward to future encounters.
Love dat.love to be part of this great vision
Awww this is so great! I am so proud of our fellows.
Really love this. Good to make people know that agriculture is more than what they think
A rising star!
I see you attain great heights…
Keep the flag high Tolulope!
A rising star!
I see you attain great heights…
Keep the flag high Tolulope!