Dr. Idongesit Mbaram is the founder and chief executive of Sustainable Agro and Hunger Eradication (SAHE) Foundation, which trains young persons to become successful agri-entrepreneurs through workshops, seminars, and practical sessions. She quit a rewarding 14-year career in the banking industry to dedicate her resources and expertise to advancing sustainable agriculture in Nigeria. With over 5,000 youths trained in organic farming by the Foundation, Idongesit shares her belief that equipping women and youths with necessary skills and knowledge can help harness the full potential of agriculture with DANIEL ESSIET.
Her belief that agriculture is one of the sectors with the most potential to drive economic growth and employment creation is total, so also her passion for shared prosperity and hunger eradication anchored on exploiting the largely untapped potential in agriculture. This, among other factors, led the founder and Chief Executive of Sustainable Agro and Hunger Eradication (SAHE) Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Idongesit Mbaram, to establish the Foundation in 2017.
Since then, Idongesit, who quit a 14-year hugely rewarding career in the banking industry, has thrown her resources and expertise into grooming the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs.
“I spent 14 years in the banking industry, including 11 years at Zenith Bank Plc as a Relationship Manager and three years at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, now Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), where I served as a Branch Manager. For over seven years, I have dedicated myself to advancing sustainable agriculture in Nigeria through active and strategic engagement with industry stakeholders,” Idongesit told The Nation.
She added that she had participated in relevant seminars and workshops on agriculture and agribusiness, both domestically and internationally.
“I’ve visited the United States of America three times and Paris, France twice for seminars, agric expos and workshops,” she said.
Idongesit, who has never hidden her passion for food security, said she had collaborated with various technical experts worldwide to promote sustainable agriculture, particularly among women and youths.
“My passion for shared prosperity and hunger eradication, among other factors, led to the founding of the SAHE Foundation in 2017, she emphasised.
She, noting, however, that in feeding her passion for shared prosperity and hunger eradication, she discovered that women had less access to economic prosperity although they made up a substantial percentage of those who farm on small holdings.
Her words: “Women, despite constituting a significant portion of smallholder farmers, often face barriers to economic prosperity in agriculture. At SAHE Foundation, we recognize this disparity and strive to address it through various initiatives such as training/capacity building workshops, access to resources, market linkages, financial support, technology adoption, policy advocacy, health and well-being programmes, community empowerment and awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes. Through our information hub, we also shed light on the experiences of women in agribusiness, advocating for policies and programs that promote gender equality and empower women economically.”
To encourage young women to get involved in agri-businesses, Idongesit established a tutorial school to allow them pursue careers in agri-business.
“We established Divine Tutorials, a worldwide school offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes not only agriculture but also all subjects, including French. Our aim is to provide a well-rounded education for youths globally, with a particular focus on primary and secondary school students.
“Students have the opportunity to connect virtually and offline. At Divine Tutorials, we are passionate advocates for accessible and flexible education. We recognize that every learner is unique, and our mission is to connect students with experienced tutors and teachers who can support them on their educational journey, regardless of their age or background,” she explained
Idongesit said the goal was to empower them with the confidence and skills needed to succeed, not only in the agriculture industry but in any field they chose. The school offers regular educational tours to school children to educate them on growing their own food.
“I’ve been visiting schools in Lagos and Ogun State such as Royal KRISTON College, Deeper Life High School and Jextoban Secondary School, among others, and I also plan to expand to other locations.
“These sessions aim to educate students on the significance of agriculture, sustainable food production, and career opportunities in the field,” she stated, emphasising that engaging young minds is crucial in fostering future generations of agricultural and educational leaders.
Underscoring the Foundation’s extensive reach and network, Idongesit said in 2020, the SAHE Foundation collaborated with a partner from Ghana who was trained in the UK on organic farming to conduct training sessions for secondary school students on organic farming techniques.
“They were taught how to utilise disposable buckets and sacks to grow food in their backyards and schools. The Foundation organised these tours to different schools in Lagos. Overall, it has trained over 5,000 youths in organic farming. We believe that by equipping youths with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can harness the full potential of agriculture to transform livelihoods and communities,” she explained.
Justifying her preoccupation with empowering women, Dr. Idongesit said, over the years, she had noticed that women often faced barriers in advancing their careers, including lack of representation in leadership roles and societal expectations. To overcome these challenges, she said women couldfocus on building confidence, advocating for themselves, and seeking out mentorship and support networks.
She insisted that companies would benefit immensely from having more women at the top.
Her words: “Companies stand to benefit significantly from having more women in leadership positions. Diversity in leadership brings different perspectives, fosters innovation, and enhances decision-making processes. Moreover, gender-balanced leadership promotes inclusivity and reflects the diverse workforce and customer base.”
To the next generation of female leaders, Idongesit has these success nuggets: “Embrace your individuality and strengths. Don’t be afraid to break down stereotypes and challenge the status quo. Seek mentors and build a strong network of support. Focus on continuous learning and skill development. Be confident, persistent, and resilient in the face of challenges.”
She said she believes in mentors. “I have immense respect and admiration for countless women who have paved the way for others in various fields. Specifically, I would like to mention Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She stands out as a beacon of inspiration. Her achievements whisper a powerful message to me, “If she could do it, I can bloom.” She has been very successful. She owes it to divine enablement,” Idongesit.
The banker-turned entrepreneurship coach, however, said her belief in the God-factor and the conviction that with determination, anything is achievable, as stated in the scriptures, has always kept her mindset positive. “I also ensure to work hard diligently, adhering to success and kingdom principles, one of which is that if my actions may harm others, I refrain from them,” she added.
Moreover, she said her greatest joy and biggest success factor lies in witnessing people succeed in life. “My passion for empowering women in agriculture has been the driving force behind my success. However, I wouldn’t have reached this point without the unwavering support of my husband, dedicated mentors and colleagues, both men and women,” Idongesit said.
Though evidently successful, Idongesit admitted having her fair share of gender-related roadblocks in her entrepreneurial journey. “While the agricultural industry is making strides towards inclusivity, being a woman in this traditionally male-dominated field has presented me with unique challenges. But instead of dwelling on these past hurdles, I prefer to direct my energy towards forging new pathways for other women to thrive in this space,” she said.
Indeed, from unconscious biases and harmful stereotypes to limitations in opportunities, navigating these challenges has been an undeniable part of Idongesit’s experience. However, she chose to approach these obstacles by leveraging her strengths and remaining a vocal advocate for equitable treatment and opportunities for all genders in the workplace. “This focus on progress and empowerment continues to be a driving force in my efforts,” she stated.
She also learns from her mistakes. “I can’t forget this moment. In 2016, there was an opportunity for me to be interviewed by the BBC because our CEO was in Australia and they needed someone from AgroNigeria to speak about our work. However, due to my shyness and lack of outspokenness at the time, I declined the interview. It was a missed opportunity that I now realize I could easily have handled, as over the years I have developed my communication skills and confidence,” she recalled.
In the midst of her busy schedule, Idongesit has found a convenient way of taking care of herself, family and maintaining a good mental health. “It’s an ongoing process but I prioritise self-care by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. I delegate tasks and build a strong team I can trust. I also engage in activities that bring me joy and relaxation such as spending time with loved ones and connecting with nature. I also take breaks to combat stress.”
