Fens Group Boss, Michael Udofia Bags 2025 Agribusiness Development Award

 

Fens Group CEO, Mr Udofia

The Chief Executive Officer of Fens Group, Mr. Michael Udofia, has been honoured with the 2025 Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award (ADEA) for his remarkable contributions to agricultural growth and industrial advancement in Nigeria.

The prestigious recognition was presented to him by the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, during the 4th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference (Uyo 2025) held at Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The conference, which had as its theme “Resilient Agribusiness: A Sustainable Solution for a Changing World,” drew participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

Explaining the choice of the Fens Group boss, the Zonal Coordinator of NAADI, Mr. Howard Usen, said the award celebrates visionary individuals and institutions whose work in agribusiness and enterprise has advanced food security, job creation, and economic empowerment.

According to Usen, Mr. Udofia’s exceptional record of innovation and leadership has not only transformed agribusiness in Akwa Ibom but has also inspired sustainable enterprise development across West Africa.

 “You have distinguished yourself as a change agent who continues to impact lives through accelerated employment generation, enterprise growth, and rural development,” Usen said. “The award is in recognition of your outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainable industrial growth.”

Responding, Mr. Udofia expressed appreciation to the organizers for recognizing his commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

Recounting his humble beginning, the Fens Group CEO revealed that he started business in 1993 with only ₦3,500, and through persistence, faith, and hard work, the company has grown into a diversified conglomerate with interests in petroleum marketing, construction, and large-scale farming.

 “I encourage every young Nigerian to start small and stay focused,” Udofia advised. “Even if you plant 20 stands of palm seedlings today, in a few years you will not only feed your family but also build wealth without borrowing.”

He disclosed that Fens Group currently runs the largest palm plantation in Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom State—an investment he described as a demonstration of his belief that agriculture remains the foundation of sustainable prosperity.

The well-attended conference, declared open by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, featured presentations from ministers, legislators, members of the diplomatic community, and leading industry players.

Over 500 participants representing development partners, financial institutions, small and medium enterprises, and major stakeholders in the agribusiness and manufacturing sectors graced the event, which reaffirmed the growing momentum of Nigeria’s agro-industrial renaissance.