To tackle youth unemployment and boost Nigeria’s animal health sector, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) and Farm Alert have awarded N42 million in grants to young veterinarians nationwide.
At the third edition of the Vetpreneurship Awards held Friday in Abuja, nine outstanding young professionals each received N1 million to kickstart their veterinary enterprises.
This is a major milestone in a bold initiative that blends youth empowerment with agribusiness innovation.
NVMA National President, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, revealed that the initiative, now in its third phase, is aimed at transforming fresh veterinary graduates into entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs, delivering critical services, and stimulating rural economies.
“With today’s disbursement, we’ve invested N42 million in young vetpreneurs since last year,” Arokoyo announced.
“We are backing their courage to step out and build sustainable businesses in an industry where over 80% of practitioners are in the private sector.”
The programme targets graduates from the last five years, equipping them with capital and a framework for success. Beneficiaries undergo a rigorous selection process and are supported with clear performance benchmarks and continuous evaluation.
Chief Veterinary Officer of the Federation, Dr. Musa Inuwa, urged the recipients to use the funds wisely and explore the vast potential of Nigeria’s livestock economy — especially as the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development opens more opportunities for innovation and growth.
“The future of food security and export potential lies in our livestock sector, and veterinarians have a central role to play,” Inuwa noted.
Veterinary expert and former Sokoto State Commissioner, Prof. Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu, praised the initiative as “one of the most impactful business empowerment projects in recent years,” predicting it would drive wealth creation and economic expansion.
One of the awardees, Dr. Agboola Waliu Olasunkanmi, shared his excitement about using the grant to equip his veterinary diagnostic centre in Lagos. “This support will allow me to offer better services and hire more people,” he said.
With the Vetpreneurship programme, NVMA and Farm Alert are not just giving out grants — they’re building a new generation of agro-entrepreneurs who will reshape Nigeria’s veterinary and livestock landscapes for years to come.