Ms. Maryann Chinasa Ezeh, a student of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, has won a grant from the Tony Elumelu Foundation Mentorship Programme to establish an agribusiness.
She was among the beneficiaries of the 2023 cohort to receive seed capital from the foundation. Her company, Annarvest Multiventures Company Limited, officially commenced operations on April 9, 2024, in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Annarvest Multiventures Company Limited aims to provide farmers in Southeast Nigeria with quality agro-inputs to boost crop production and sustainability, contributing to food security in the country.
Annarvest Multiventures Company Limited
Ms. Ezeh revealed that she has always desired to proffer solutions to the unavailability of agricultural inputs to farmers and students of Agriculture in Southeast Nigeria. Recognizing the need for capital, business training, and industry knowledge, she pursued an MPhil in Seed Science and Technology at WACCI as a foundational step towards her goal. “ WACCI nurtured me through a series of business training sessions and equipped me with practical skills needed to run a successful seed business, “ she added.
Ms. Maryann Chinasa Ezeh
As part of her training at WACCI, she had the opportunity to carry out a three-month industrial training with SeedCo West and Central Africa in Ghana, which she described as a significant advancement in her journey towards success. She expressed gratitude to WACCI for playing a pivotal role in advancing her knowledge in Seed Technology.
Looking ahead, her company’s mission is to provide timely and quality agricultural inputs to farmers and students of Agriculture in Southeast Nigeria, hoping to bring a positive impact to society and contribute to food security in Africa.
WACCI commends her mentor, Dr. Takemore Chagomoka WACCI Sectorial Advisory Board member and Regional Manager of SeedCo West and Central Africa for serving as a mentor to Ms. Ezeh in the proposal development stage.