UNILORIN GgMAX Poultry Farm Limited unveils GEE-WELL graduate entrepreneurs
By Mustafa Abubakar and Omowumi Alao
The Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin and General Management of UNILORIN Poultry Enterprise (GgMAX) Farm Limited has unveiled the GEE-WELL (Graduate Entrepreneurs Executive-Work, Earn, Live and Learn) Programme, an initiative designed to equip graduates with practical skills in broiler production, entrepreneurship and income generation.
The programme brings selected University graduates into the agricultural enterprise environment of the University, where they will receive hands-on training in broiler production, marketing, processing, packaging, and business management while earning income from poultry sales.
The graduates, targed “Cohort 1” are Abdulrahman Sofiyullahi of the Department of Animal Production; Bamidele Kalid Olalekan of the Department of Animal Production; Kajola Habeeb Alao of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development; Adebomi Oluwatobi Samuel of the Department of Animal Production; Raji Habiibullahi Ayomide of the Islamic Studies Unit, Department of Religions and Abdulkareem Ibrahim Adewale of the Department of History and International Studies.
Speaking at the inauguration of the programme, the Chairman of the GgMAX Board, Prof. Foluke E. Sola-Ojo said the initiative was developed in collaboration with the Department of Animal Production to create opportunities for graduates interested in poultry production as a viable business.
Prof. Sola-Ojo explained that the programme was designed to move beyond theoretical knowledge by giving participants direct exposure to the realities of poultry enterprise.
She said that the first Cohort of participants would undergo an eight-week practical training programme, during which they would receive instruction and guidance in broiler production, processing, packaging, marketing, and other aspects of poultry enterprise
According to her, participants would also receive accommodation and welfare support during the programme while gaining practical experience that could enable them to establish and manage their own poultry businesses after the training.
The Chairman disclosed that the first batch of 3,000 broilers, supplied by Agrited Farm, had already arrived at the GgMAX Farm, with another 3,000 birds expected subsequently
She explained that participants would commence intensive marketing activities when the birds attain five weeks, thereby exposing them to customer sourcing, pricing, sales, and other aspects of the poultry value chain.
The products, she said, would be marketed under the brand name GEE-Chicken (Graduate Entrepreneurs Executive-Chicken) in three forms: live birds, frozen and dressed chicken, and instant chicken.
Prof. Sola-Ojo added that participants would earn commissions from the birds they successfully sell, in addition to receiving a fixed amount at the end of the eight-week training.
She pleaded for support from alumni, friends of the University and well meaning Nigerians particularly in the area of feeding and welfare of participating graduates so as to make them live more comfortably in the farm as the programme planned to train between 150 to 180 graduates per annum.
Earlier, the Head of Production, GgMAX, Dr Henri-Pearl Ahameafule, welcomed the participants and expressed optimism about the success of the programme.
Dr Ahameafule commended the GgMAX Board Chairman for revitalising the initiative and urged the participants to approach the training with humility and a willingness to learn from experienced staff, irrespective of their academic backgrounds.
She stressed that combining classroom knowledge with practical experience was essential for developing the competence required to establish and sustain successful poultry businesses.
According to her, participants should see the programme as an opportunity to acquire practical knowledge that could remain useful to them long after the completion of the training.
Also speaking, Prof. Abdulhameed Abiodun Badmos of the Department of Animal Production, advised the participants to approach the programme with commitment, discipline, and an open mind.
Prof. Badmos said the training would expose participants to the technical and entrepreneurial skills required to establish sustainable broiler enterprises and contribute meaningfully to food security.
He urged them to pay particular attention to bird management, feeding, disease prevention, hygiene, record-keeping, and marketing.
A member of the GgMAX Board and lecturer in the Department of Public Law, Prof. AbdulFatai Sambo, described the initiative as timely and valuable.
Prof. Sambo explained that his responsibility on the Board included ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulatory frameworks, and university policies.
He noted that formal classroom education should be complemented with practical experience, stressing that graduates need opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-life situations.
