Adebisi Opeyemi's journey with PEMNIA WELLNESS began as a simple NYSC project driven by her passion for food security and nutrition. Today, it has grown into a thriving agribusiness producing innovative orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) products that tackle vitamin A deficiency while empowering women farmers in her community.

Her success story was made possible by the BATN Foundation's Farmers for the Future (F4F) programme, which provided the funding, business training, and mentorship that turned her vision into a viable enterprise.

The Birth of PEMNIA WELLNESS

"It was born out of a deep passion for food security, nutrition and community empowerment during my NYSC year in 2023," Opeyemi explains. "As a graduate of Crop Production, I was always concerned about the widespread issue of Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) in Nigeria."

During her service year, she discovered the potential of biofortified Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) to combat malnutrition and create economic opportunities. After participating in the FARMERS FOR THE FUTURE (F4F) program, she emerged as one of the winners, which provided the catalyst to transform PEMNIA WELLNESS from concept to reality.

What began as a small vision during NYSC is now a growing enterprise committed to sustainable nutrition through OFSP-based products including Vita Flour, Vita Meal, Vita Garri, and Vita Crisps.

The Game-Changing F4F Grant

The Farmers for the Future Grant proved transformative for PEMNIA WELLNESS. "At the time we received the grant, we were still at the product development stage and struggling to find our place in the market," Opeyemi shares.

The grant provided the financial and strategic support needed to complete product development, conduct trials, and launch their OFSP-based products. Through the F4F program, Opeyemi gained access to tailored business training, mentorship, and practical exposure to food processing best practices.

"We were able to purchase essential equipment that allowed us to scale our operations modestly," she adds.

Creating Real Impact

For Opeyemi, the most rewarding aspect has been witnessing PEMNIA WELLNESS create measurable impact in people's lives, especially women and young people involved in OFSP cultivation.

"One unforgettable moment was when a respected entrepreneur recognized my brand before I introduced myself," she recalls. "Knowing that a product I started developing during NYSC is now helping to fight vitamin A deficiency and improve livelihoods in my community is fulfilling."

Among her biggest achievements, Opeyemi counts successfully taking PEMNIA WELLNESS from product development to market launch, with over 256 units sold under 10 months through community marketing and referrals. The enterprise also received the Outstanding Business Person Award by Business Women Hub Nigeria and secured FDA approval.

Creating Jobs and Mentoring Others

Today, PEMNIA WELLNESS employs three permanent staff who manage daily operations, production, and logistics. Additionally, the enterprise engages 12 community women as seasonal workers during production periods, providing income opportunities and hands-on experience in food processing.

Beyond employment, Opeyemi actively mentors upcoming entrepreneurs inspired by PEMNIA WELLNESS, supporting them with practical guidance on value addition, product development, and navigating early-stage agribusiness challenges.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, PEMNIA WELLNESS aims to scale production capacity and expand beyond Oyo State into two new African markets through strategic partnerships. The company is working towards obtaining NAFDAC and SON final approval to access larger retail chains, schools, and hospitals.

Plans also include setting up a dedicated clean energy processing facility to improve efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. Long-term, the goal is to become a model enterprise in biofortified food processing that empowers youth, supports smallholder farmers, and nourishes communities with nutritious food solutions.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To youth and Corps Members considering applying for the next grant, Opeyemi says: "Go for it, this opportunity can be the turning point in your entrepreneurial journey. The Farmers for the Future grant is a launchpad that provides training, mentorship, visibility, and a supportive network."

She advises new applicants to focus on the problem they're solving rather than just the product they're offering. "Be clear about your value chain, your target beneficiaries, and how your idea creates real impact economically, socially, or environmentally. Use data or field experience to back up your claims."

Applications for the 2025 edition are currently open and close on July 20, 2025. More details are available via the BATN Foundation mobile app or at www.batnf.net/wealthishere.

Follow BenriNews on social media for more inspiring entrepreneurship stories: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Telegram.