By Emmanuel Antswen
Makurdi, Mar. 14, 2026 (NAN) Three Benue agro-companies have won the Benue Agro-Startup Enhancement Programme (BASEP) demonstration contest, an initiative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
JICA is implementing the programme in partnership with the Benue Government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the winners of the contest are Vet Konect, Nan Organic House and Bid Vans Limited.
Speaking at the event, Dr Elizabeth Onogwu, the Private Sector Support (PSS) Coordinator at the Japan International Cooperation Agency, commended the participants for their dedication and high-level performances.
Onogwu highlighted the objectives of the BASEP initiative, emphasising the importance of supporting innovative entrepreneurs who are building solutions across agricultural value chains in Benue and Nigeria at large.
The coordinator said that JICA remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through programmes that promote innovation, private sector development, and sustainable economic growth.
She further highlighted additional opportunities available through JICA for startups and entrepreneurs in Nigeria, including capacity-building programmes and potential partnerships with Japanese and international stakeholders.
Mr Attah Igoche, Programme Lead Consultant for BASEP, explained that the programme was specifically designed to identify and support growth-stage agribusiness startups in Benue that demonstrate strong potential for scale and impact across the agricultural value chain.
Igoche also highlighted the post-programme support opportunities available to participating startups, including a structured ecosystem study tour to Abuja, where selected startups will engage with national innovation institutions, development partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.
NAN reports that at the end of the training programme, participating startups presented their solutions before a selection panel led by Dr Halilu Umar, Agricultural Expert from the JICA.
Each startup delivered a pitch outlining the agricultural challenge they are addressing, their innovation and business model, market traction and growth strategy, and the potential impact of their solutions on agricultural productivity and value chains.
The Benue Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Benjamin Ashaver, said the state, through the ministry, would also support the winners.
Represented by Mr Awav Adum, Land Officer of the ministry, Ashaver said government would also provide subsidies and inputs to the winners.
NAN reports that Vet Konect, which came first in the competition, is a digital platform that connects livestock farmers with verified veterinary professionals and livestock inputs.
The solution aims to improve access to veterinary services, livestock health management, and productivity for livestock farmers.
NAN Organic, which came second, is a beekeeping enterprise that develops and manages beehives while producing packaged honey products.
The startup also provides training and digital platform support for beekeepers, contributing to improved livelihoods and increased honey production across rural communities.
Bidvans, which came third, is a food innovation startup that produces vitamin A-fortified ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare staple foods designed to improve nutrition and food security, particularly among vulnerable populations (NAN) www.nannews.ng.
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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Peter Amine
