Visionary entrepreneur and accomplished agronomist Emem Alban, the chief executive officer of Emani Farms Giant Limited, channels her deep commitment to agribusiness into tangible economic growth through her agro-value chain food procurement and distribution business. Beyond economic impact, her unwavering passion to combat hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity in rural communities fuels her impactful work with the End Hunger Humanitarian Initiative. This report explores her journey and multifaceted contributions.
Demonstrating that determination yields results, Emem Alban has made significant strides in fostering economic growth, bolstering food security, and combating malnutrition in underserved communities. Her resilience and unwavering resolve drive these impactful efforts.
Alban’s sterling career, marked by an unwavering commitment to agribusiness, has established her as a key player in the sector. Recognising agribusiness’s potential for job creation, economic growth, and sustainability, her initiatives through Emani Farms Giant Limited have significantly contributed to the local economy. Her visionary leadership has fostered consistent growth in sales, employee development, and customer service strategies centered on community engagement.
She 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 said.
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Her relentless work with the End Hunger Humanitarian Initiative, an NGO, directly addresses food scarcity and malnutrition in rural communities. Through targeted programs, Alban and her team improve food access and nutritional education, fostering healthier communities. The initiative goes beyond delivering essential resources by implementing educational programmes aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty.
Alban’s dedication to fighting hunger extends to empowering communities in Akwa Ibom State. Through outreach programs in villages like Esit Eket, Udung Uko, and Ikot Abio Ikpa, her team provides crucial support to the less privileged and conducts quarterly visits to local prisons. “Hunger is not just about food; it’s about dignity and hope,” she emphasises. “Through this initiative, we’re giving people a chance to rewrite their stories.”
Through her innovative agricultural practices, logistics solutions, and humanitarian efforts, Alban is not just addressing food security but also transforming lives in rural communities.
Alban’s qualifications are extensive, including certifications in project management, digital marketing, and hydroponics, which equip her with the skills necessary to lead in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. Her recent accolades, such as being named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International, underline her commitment to selfless service and leadership.
Born on November 19, 1984, and raised in Lagos, Alban’s entrepreneurial drive extends to the logistics sector as the force behind Smooches House of Gold Ventures. Her academic foundation includes a degree in Brewing Science and Technology from the University of Uyo, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Crop and Soil Science from the University of Port Harcourt, an MSc. in Crop Production and Physiology from the University of Uyo, and a Masters in Agribusiness Management from Rome Business School, Italy. Her early education was at the Nigerian Navy Nursery and Primary School in Navy Town, Ojo Cantonment, and Command Day Secondary School, Ojo Military Cantonment.
A pioneer of sustainable practices in Nigeria, Alban describes herself as a serious-minded agricultural entrepreneur who identifies and cultivates opportunities. In a few short years, she and her partners have dedicated themselves to transforming local food systems and elevating agriculture. Alban has leveraged her extensive knowledge to make significant economic contributions.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2011, where she served as a teacher in Rivers State, Alban took to entrepreneurship, establishing her firm, which specialises in the commercial production of livestock feed under the trademarked brand “Giant Feeds.” Despite graduating from university with a degree in Crop and Soil Science, she couldn’t secure a good job at first. The story changed in 2012, when she heard about an opportunity to join an agricultural training programme. She had no idea that there was anything special about livestock feed before she started the training programme, but in the beginning, still with no experience, she could see opportunities in the business. Upon completion of the programme in April 2012, she 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. By the end of the season, she had made enough profit for expansion to three hectares. By 2014, she was ready to become an employer. The profit from her first business allowed her 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.
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A key activity of Hydroponics Crop Production is the production and sale of exotic vegetables. Alban is confident that the demand for quality certified feed and vegetables among local farmers will continue to rise as they recognise the benefits.
In recognition of her contributions to leadership and business administration, she received an honorary doctorate from the Institute of Leadership, Labour Manpower and Management Development. Her company, Smooches House of Gold Ventures, provides food supplies, catering, and housekeeping services to the energy and maritime sectors, ensuring offshore workers’ needs are met. “Our work is about creating a ripple effect, providing quality services while generating jobs and fostering economic growth,” Alban noted.
The significance of agribusiness cannot be overemphasised in that it ensures food security and promotes sustainable practices, thus her multifaceted 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.
Alban symbolises a prominent African leader who is making significant strides in agriculture and entrepreneurship. Also at the forefront of the fight against hunger and malnutrition in rural areas of Nigeria, her 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.
Alban distinguishes herself through both her impactful humanitarian work and her impressive achievements in the agricultural sector. Recognised as one of Nigeria’s largest private-sector agricultural exporters and the fifth largest private exporter of livestock feed in Akwa Ibom State, her innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture and logistics have set new industry standards, demonstrating the synergy between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
She has also proved to be a champion of women’s rights. In a statement, she said: “It’s important to protect women’s rights, ensure equality, and we should encourage women empowerment in all sectors.”
In 2017, Alban pioneered a business model centered on creating sustainable, community-driven solutions. This model aims to restore the environment and uplift local livelihoods, reflecting her belief in the power of community-led change. Her commitment to environmental stewardship is further evident in her 2018 introduction of an eco-friendly toilet designed to conserve water, reduce waste, and provide hygienic solutions for communities.
Alban’s impactful efforts have garnered significant recognition, including the JOM Charity Award and the distinction of Platinum Fellow of the Institute of Leadership, Labour, Manpower, and Development. Her dedication to service and leadership is further highlighted by her status as a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International. She also completed the prestigious Global Business Leadership Development Programme at the Rome Business School.
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She is poised to continue to empower women and communities. Her work serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have in the fight against hunger and the promotion of sustainable practices.
Reflecting on her journey, the entrepreneur and philanthropist 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.” Her impact, particularly in professional development, is notable. 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 multifaceted 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,” Alban remarked. With unwavering dedication, Alban is not only tackling some of society’s most pressing issues but also inspiring others to join her in building stronger, more resilient communities.
As a pioneer in her field, she exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community service. Her 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.
