By Philip Yatai
The Bank of Agriculture says it is championing women’s economic empowerment declaring that the path to Nigeria’s economic renewal is paved by the hands of its women.
The Bank’s Managing Director, Ayo Sotinrin, said this in a statement signed by the Team Lead, Corporate Communication Department, Ruth Didam, in Abuja on Saturday, to commemorate 2026 International Women’s Day.
Sotinrin said that the Bank stands at the forefront of the movement, under the dual banners of the global campaign theme “Give to Gain” and the United Nations call for rights, justice and action for all women and girls.
He reinforced the Bank’s commitment to building an inclusive and prosperous nation, where women play a central role in agricultural transformation and economic development.
According to him, true national development cannot be achieved in half-measures; it requires the full and active participation of Nigerian women.
“Aligning with this year’s themes, BOA is calling on stakeholders—from government institutions to private sector leaders, to move beyond rhetoric and embrace deliberate and impactful action.
“Empowering a woman is not merely a philanthropic act; it is one of the most strategic investments we can make in Nigeria’s economy.
“When we give our resources, mentorship, and trust to women, we gain a multiplier effect of productivity that uplifts households, strengthens communities, and advances national food security.
“At the Bank of Agriculture, we are committed to leading this transformation.”
He said that the Bank’s commitment aligned strongly with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, whose administration had placed agriculture, food security, and inclusive economic growth at the centre of national development.
Sotinrin added that through its programmes and financing initiatives, the Bank would continue to support this vision by expanding opportunities for farmers, particularly women.
He disclosed that the Bank had so far disbursed more than N8 billion to women across the country, under its accessible financial windows, which included Grow and Earn More, the Micro Agric Loan, and the Micro Non-Agric Loan.
This, he said, was deliberately supporting both individual female entrepreneurs and organised women groups engaged in agriculture and agribusiness.
He added that the facilities provide critical financing that enables women to expand production, grow businesses, diversify livelihoods, and strengthen household incomes nationwide.
The managing director said that the Bank’s impact was visible in communities across the country, such as the Unity Farmers Group 7 Project (maize production) and Araokanmi Farmers Group (gari processing) in the South West.
“There is also the Uyanwanne MPCS Onitsha (cassava production) and Chianyinadindu Women Group (vegetable farming – bitter leaf) in the South East; and Divine Favour Cooperative and King-Size Cooperative engaged in poultry production in the South South.
“Others are Akpajeshi Women Enterprise Groups involved in gari processing and groundnut cake production in the North Central; and Women in Business Forum and the Borno Agricultural Village Women Wing in Maiduguri, supporting poultry and livestock fattening in the North East.
“There is equally the Badna Women MPCS and Gbagyi Women MPCS, both engaged in farming activities in the North West, among others across the country.
“These initiatives have continued to empower women to expand their enterprises, improve productivity, and build sustainable livelihoods for their families and communities,” he said.
He disclosed that the Bank had recently facilitated the handover of subsidised tractors acquired by Women Mechanisation Service Providers across the country.
He described the gesture as a “significant step” toward expanding mechanised agriculture and closing the gender gap in access to modern farming equipment.
“This initiative ensures that women are not only active participants in the agricultural value chain but are increasingly positioned as drivers of mechanised farming services within their communities, improving productivity and strengthening national food security,” he said.
As the world commemorates the 2026 International Women’s Day, Sotinrin called on all stakeholders—government, private sector, and civil society, to ‘Give to Gain’.
He stressed the need to invest in women, mechanise their farms, fund their dreams, and nurture the next generation of female leaders.
“Together with initiatives such as the national nutrition and welfare programmes championed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, these collective efforts will help ensure a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria for all.
“When women thrive, Nigeria thrives,” he said. (NAN)
EditedbyMaureen Atuonwu
