By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Grace Foundation, an arm under The Grace Tribe Church, in conjunction with Agricultural Social Entrepreneurship Foundation (ASEF), has graduated 31 students from its Waste4Meal project.
Chief Executive Officer of ASEF Adebayo Rosemary Omoyeni said they have been navigating a challenging landscape as it rolls out its innovative Waste4Meal project. This initiative aims to harness the benefits of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae as a sustainable protein source for animal feed, addressing the pressing need for alternative protein sources in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“This ambitious regenerative agriculture project harnesses theme remarkable capabilities of the BSF to transform organic waste into valuable resources.
Omoyeni stated that over 70 per cent of the Nigerian population are involved in agriculture, adding that the project seeks to empower women who represent nearly 60 per cent of Africa’s agricultural workforce. The Waste4Meal project not only promises to enhance food security but also aims to alleviate the reliance on conventional protein sources such as fishmeal and soybean meal. In addition to providing a rich and sustainable protein alternative, BSF larvae produce frass, an organic fertiliser that rejuvenates degraded soils and boosts crop yields naturally. The project reflects a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation in Nigeria.
As the foundation celebrates the progress made over the last three months, it acknowledges the challenges faced, reinforcing its commitment to fostering economic empowerment and sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
One of the lead facilitators of the Waste4Meal project, Azeez Oluwole said the project, which started small is a new horizon for Nigeria’s agriculture, noting that about 16 firms came together to work on it.
Oluwole stressed that, “Waste4Meal is a completely decentralised agricultural project. There is company for security, access to intellectual training, finance, etc. The lead organisation is ASEF International, an NGO from the Nederlands, which is championing globally this multi-dimensional project. I am passionate about this project because Nigeria is having an agricultural innovation and we are rebuilding things.
President of the Grace Foundation Deacon Philip Okuabor said the graduation ceremony held on Sunday,13th April, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the Waste4Meal initiative, which aims to address food waste while promoting sustainability and economic empowerment.
Okuabor stated that participants underwent rigorous training, learning how to convert organic waste into protein-rich animal feed and organic fertilisers, effectively turning what was once considered trash into gold.
“This programme not only empowers individuals with essential skills but also contributes to a more sustainable future,” said president of the Foundation. “We are thrilled to see these graduates equipped to make a real impact in the nation with the knowledge acquired”.
Moreover,the ripple effect is already clear,as participants have a source of income through this empowerment.ASEF’s vision is to scale this model, with a bold goal of training 100,000 African youths, including 12,000 in Ghana, and more in Kenya and South Africa. Partners like New Generation Nutrition (NGN), Gonastocks, Fidas Africa, and Guardian Angel Services are backing this vision with both technical and financial support.
“This initiative aligns with a growing global emphasis on sustainable practices and the reduction of food waste, offering a replicable model for other communities seeking to embrace regenerative agriculture. Graduates will now have the opportunity to implement their newfound knowledge, fostering local entrepreneurship and improving food security.”
The organisers noted that, “as the world grapples with increasing waste and the challenges of food production, the Waste4Meal initiative serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how innovation and collective efforts can lead to transformative change. The Grace Foundation and ASEF are committed to expanding this programme, aiming to inspire more individuals to join the movement towards a greener and more sustainable future.
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