Lawon Ajoke to Receive Agribusiness Mentorship Award for Innovations in Snail Farming

Lawon Ajoke to Receive Agribusiness Mentorship Award for Innovations in Snail Farming

Lawon Ajoke, a 31-year-old agropreneur, is set to receive the Agribusiness Mentorship Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to agribusiness, particularly in the heliciculture industry.

The award will be presented at the upcoming Excellence in Agro-Business Lecture and Award ceremony, themed “Roots of Progress: Recognizing Excellence in Agribusiness and Rural Development.” The event is scheduled to take place on November 20, 2024, at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo state.

Ajoke, who holds a degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from the Polytechnic of Ibadan (2016), has carved a niche for herself in snail farming. Her journey into agribusiness began with a deep passion for sustainability and job creation, and over the years, she has become a pioneer in modern snail farming practices in Nigeria.

Ajoke’s impact on the agricultural sector is exemplified through her creation of the Snail Farming Challenge, an online training program designed to educate and empower aspiring snail farmers. Through her platform, she has trained over 3,000 youths in both free and paid courses, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in snail farming. Her commitment to mentoring young farmers has been hailed as a vital contribution to job creation and economic development, particularly among Nigerian youth.

Her innovative approach extends to environmental sustainability. Ajoke and her team have developed a snail shell recycling initiative that turns discarded snail shells into calcium supplements for snails and other livestock. In just 13 months of operation, they have recycled over 5 tons of snail shells, diverting this waste from landfills and contributing to the circular economy. Her focus on sustainability has also opened up opportunities for women in her community, as her snail farming business creates jobs and fosters economic empowerment.

The Excellence in Agro-Business Lecture and Award event will feature a keynote address from Professor Olorunfemi Oladapo Ogundele, a respected figure from the Agriculture and Food Policy Department of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan. Professor Ogundele will speak on the event’s theme and provide insights into the role of agribusiness in fostering rural development and economic growth in Nigeria.

The event will be chaired by Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Oyo State. The Special Guest of Honour will be His Excellency Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State, who has championed agricultural reforms and innovation as a cornerstone of his administration’s efforts to improve the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities.

Ajoke’s journey from a graduate of procurement and supply chain management to a trailblazer in snail farming has been driven by her passion for sustainable practices and youth development. Her dedication to ensuring environmentally friendly farming processes while maintaining profitability has garnered her widespread recognition. Her innovative recycling of snail shells into calcium supplements has addressed two critical issues—waste management and the need for affordable livestock supplements—demonstrating her commitment to sustainable agriculture.

This year’s Excellence in Agro-Business Lecture and Award is organized by Chronicle Media, a leading media broadcast organization in Southwest Nigeria, dedicated to promoting sectoral development and recognizing exceptional contributions to the agricultural sector. The awards serve as a platform to honor individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted the food security and economy of Oyo State.

As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, the recognition of figures like Ajoke highlights the crucial role of innovation, sustainability, and mentorship in driving progress. Her achievements exemplify how young entrepreneurs can make significant contributions to agribusiness and rural development.