Agricultural entrepreneur Dr. Emem Alban is the chief executive officer of Emani Farms Giant Limited, a firm that specialises in the commercial production of livestock feed under the trademarked, household brand, Giant Feeds. An agronomist by training, the Paul Harris Fellow, with Rotary International, is unwavering in her commitment to combating hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity in rural communities through her End Hunger Humanitarian Initiative. She shares the story of her inspiring career trajectory spanning agriculture, logistics, and community service with DAMOLA KOLA-DARE
She knew from the onset the career path to take, especially when it’s one that feeds her passion to bring about change in her chosen field. This was why unlike some of her peers, agricultural entrepreneur Dr. Emem Alban never dilly-dallied in embracing entrepreneurship upon the completion of her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2011, after serving as a teacher in Rivers State.
Today, 14 years down the line, Emem, who is a trained Agronomist, is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emani Farms Giant Limited, a firm that specialises in the commercial production of livestock feed under the trademarked brand, ‘Giant Feeds’
But it is so much Emem’s venture in the agribusiness space where her ‘giant feed’ brand has become a household name that makes her tick; rather, it is the rich and inspiring career trajectory of this burgeoning agri-prenure with a resolve to change the narrative in the agribusiness segment of the agric industry. For a start, despite graduating from the university with a degree in Crop and Soil Science, she couldn’t secure a good job.
However, Emem had her entrepreneurial story changed in 2012, when she heard about an opportunity to join an agricultural training programme. Even though, she had no idea that there was anything special about livestock feed before she started the training programme, she was able to see opportunities in the business.
An incredibly focused and tenacious entrepreneur, Emem, upon completion of the programme in April 2012, decided to try out what she had learned. She started out farming on just half a hectare of land, not too far from where her father had cultivated maize. Her first business season was successful. And by the end of that season, she had made enough profit for expansion to three hectares.
Two years later, precisely in 2014, Emem was ready to become an employer of labour. With the profit from her first business, she was able to hire two-day workers to help her on the livestock business. Not long after, she partnered with three other young entrepreneurs and founded a business called Hydroponics Crop Production/Agri- Commodities Trading.
One of Hydroponic Crop’s main activities is producing and selling exotic vegetables. According to Emem, the number of local farmers willing to pay for quality certified feed and vegetables would continue to grow if they could see the importance for themselves.
Smooches House of Gold Ventures, another of her companies, also provides food supplies, catering, and housekeeping services to the energy and maritime sectors, ensuring offshore workers’ needs are met.
By training chefs and housekeepers for offshore operations, she equips individuals with skills that open doors to stable employment. “It’s about more than jobs; it’s about building confidence and creating pathways to success,” she said.
The entrepreneur’s multi-faceted approach—spanning agriculture, logistics, and community service—serves as a model of transformational leadership. “I believe every entrepreneur has a responsibility to give back. When you lift others, you create a chain reaction of growth and prosperity,” she remarked.
As a pioneer in her field, Emem exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community service. Her entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, who seek to make a difference in their communities. Through her work, she continues to pave the way for others, proving that dedication and passion can lead to significant social impact.
For instance, through her relentless work with the ‘End Hunger Humanitarian Initiative’, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), she has directly impacted rural communities by tackling food scarcity and malnutrition. By implementing targeted programmes, the agronomist seeks to improve food access and nutritional education, while engendering healthier communities.
The organisation not only delivers essential resources to vulnerable populations but also runs educational programmes aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. This is evident in Emem’s immense contribution to the nation’s economic growth whilst fostering food security, and combating malnutrition and hunger in underserved communities.
Through Emani Farms Giant Ltd, she has established and successfully nurtured an agro-value chain food procurement and distribution business, which has substantially contributed to the economy. Her visionary leadership has resulted in consistent growth in sales, employee development, and enhanced customer service strategies that prioritise community engagement.
Emem has revolutionised agricultural practices in her region by introducing sustainable and modern farming techniques. “We focus on empowering local farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Our goal is to build a resilient food system that ensures long-term food security while protecting the environment,” she told The Nation.
Her dedication to fighting hunger and empowering communities is evident in Akwa Ibom State, for instance, where Alban and her team have conducted outreach programmes in various villages, including Esit Eket, Udung Uko, and Ikot Abio Ikpa, providing essential support to the less privileged and even conducting quarterly visits to local prisons.
“Hunger is not just about food; it’s about dignity and hope. Through this initiative, we’re giving people a chance to rewrite their stories. “Our work is about creating a ripple effect—providing quality services while generating jobs and fostering economic growth,” she declared.
Already, through her innovative agricultural practices, logistics solutions, and humanitarian efforts, Emem is not just addressing food security but also transforming lives in rural communities. This is so because agribusiness not only provides employment opportunities but also significantly boosts economic growth and sustainability.
Indeed, the agribusiness space where Emem operates is widely credited with having the capacity to ensure food security and promote sustainable practices hence, her multi-faceted approach—combining business acumen with humanitarian efforts—serves as a model for aspiring entrepreneurs in the agricultural sphere.
Her desire and commitment to improving lives through sustainable agricultural practices and community empowerment positions her as a leader in both agribusiness and humanitarian services. She also symbolizes a prominent African leader who is making significant strides in agriculture and entrepreneurship while also being at the forefront of the fight against hunger and malnutrition in rural areas of Nigeria.
Emem’s dedication to addressing food insecurity and sanitation crises, particularly in urban slums, is a testament to her burning passion to create sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations.
Her innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture and logistics systems have also set new standards in the industry, proving that it is possible to achieve economic growth while also prioritising environmental sustainability.
In 2017, Emem pioneered a business model that focuses on creating sustainable, community-driven solutions. This model not only aims to restore the environment but also uplift local livelihoods, demonstrating her belief in the power of communities to drive change.
Her commitment to environmental stewardship is also further exemplified by her introduction of an eco-friendly toilet in 2018, designed to conserve water, reduce waste, and provide hygienic solutions for communities in need.
The seasoned entrepreneur and agronomist, Emem, was born on November 19, 1984. She grew up in Lagos and had her early education at the Nigerian Navy Nursery and Primary School in Navy Town, Ojo Cantonment and Command Day Secondary School, Ojo Military Cantonment.
She proceeded to the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where she earned a degree in Brewing Science and Technology, and to University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where she bagged a post graduate Diploma in Crop and Soil Science.
Emem also earned Master of Science (MSc) in Crop Production and Physiology at the University of Uyo, as well as Masters in Agribusiness Management at Rome Business School, Italy.
Apart from her educational qualifications, she also has under her belt a number of certifications including those in project management, digital marketing, and hydroponics, which equipped her with the skills necessary to lead in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
Unsurprisingly, in recognition of her contributions to leadership and business administration, Emem has been honoured with the JOM Charity Award and is a Platinum Fellow of the Institute of Leadership, Labour, Manpower, and Development. Additionally, she is a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International, reflecting her dedication to service and leadership.
That’s not all. Emem has also completed the prestigious Global Business Leadership Development Programme at the Rome Business School. She is also recognised as one of the largest private sector exporters of agricultural products in Nigeria and the fifth largest private exporter of livestock feed in Akwa Ibom State.
The icing on the cake of Emem’s extensive knowledge and contributions to the economy is perhaps, her decision to champion women’s rights and empowerment “It’s important to protect women’s rights, ensure equality and we should encourage women empowerment in all sectors,” she stated.
She said she is poised to continue to empower women and communities, noting that per work serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the profound impact an individual can have in the fight against hunger and the promotion of sustainable practices.
Reflecting on her journey, she said: “Education and exposure have been instrumental in shaping my approach to business and community development. The knowledge I’ve gained has allowed me to implement solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.”
