My transformative journey with ASBE began when I was about to start my Masters research under Prof. F.E. Sola-Ojo’s guidance. Being my supervisor and ASBE’s International Coordinator, she didn’t just supervise my research, she also opened doors to a world of entrepreneurship that completely elevated me career wise. I was an Animal Production graduate, but with limited practical and business experience. For my research, she helped develop a research topic on broiler chicken production and connected me with Prof. P.O. Adeoye, former Director of the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre (TEC) and Chairman of ASBE’s Governing Council. In Prof. Adeoye’s capacity, he provided me with birds and feeds needed for my research, but that was just the beginning.
What started as academic research became a complete business education. Prof. Sola-Ojo taught me everything about broiler chicken production, processing, sales, and marketing. She also guided me in managing layers and egg production, which led to me being a supervisor for the faculty’s layers section, where I oversee both financial and management operations. By late 2023, she brought me onto ASBE’s programs, where I was part of the organizing committee for the 2024 and 2025 TEC-ASBE partnership yearly summit. I also served as the Volunteer Manager for ASBE in the Nigeria branch, where I was involved in organizing student competitions, games, and various program activities. This role greatly improved my organizational and leadership skills.
Through ASBE’s regular Zoom sessions, I learned essential entrepreneurship skills including how to grow a business from scratch, business and accounting management, leadership skills, how to source funding, and grant writing. These sessions transformed my mindset from student to confident entrepreneur. The practical results speak for themselves. Using skills learned from ASBE, I wrote a winning proposal that secured me a business grant from BATNF. This funding helped me start Poultry Edge Farms, where I now serve as CEO. We started with 100 birds in 2025 with the highest mortality being 2%, we’re growing steadily and expect to reach 500 birds by end of 2026.
My professional career was boosted as well. Through ASBE, I developed various project management and coordination skills, which was part of the what helped me secure a senior supervisor position at One Acre Fund. My progression from uncertain research student to confident business owner and professional leader shows how ASBE develops both personal confidence and practical leadership abilities.
Like many entrepreneurs, I faced challenges as well. Before winning the BATNF grant, I had one or two proposals rejected. ASBE’s training taught me that rejection often leads to better opportunities and helped me learn from setbacks. ASBE also helped me overcome the common challenge of doubting small beginnings, teaching me that every successful business starts with modest steps.
The support network within ASBE has been incredible. From Prof. Sola-Ojo’s mentorship, to Prof. P.O. Adeoye’s and Prof. U.A. Raheem’s continued support, I was in an environment where I experienced natural growth. Through ASBE, I had access to direct mentorship and I was connected with valuable professionals and relationships that continue to support my business development. ASBE has been more than just an entrepreneurship program, it’s been a life-changing experience for me. This Bureau combines academic learning with practical business skills, networking opportunities, and continuous mentorship. My journey is verified evidence in its effectiveness in developing talent.
I am using this medium to encourage young and aspiring entrepreneurs to develop a focused mindset, believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to. You should keep learning and never despise small beginnings, no matter how small they seem. ASBE provides an excellent platform for transforming your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
I’m deeply grateful to ASBE, TEC, Unilorin (the great support platform for ASBE Unilorin), and to everyone who contributed to my growth. ASBE didn’t just transform me career wise, they equipped me to help others succeed, continuing the cycle of support and empowerment that it represents.