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Tag: Farmer

  • Activating smarter financing for food security, farmer empowerment

    Activating smarter financing for food security, farmer empowerment

    Agricultural sector needs smarter payment platforms to make access to credit easy and boost food security. That explains why commercial banks are taking strong measures to activate smarter financing to make more credit available to farmers, increase yields of smallholder farmers and achieve food security for the population, writes Associate Editor, ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    Technology has remained a great tool in enhancing the growth and development of key sectors of the economy. Agricultural sector needs smarter payment platforms to make access to credit easy and boost food security.

    Many questions meant to explain the impact of smarter financing for the agric sector continues to resonate on daily basis.

    For instance, what if the key to Nigeria’s food security wasn’t more farmland – but smarter financing? Despite boasting over 84 million hectares of arable land, many Nigerian farmers remain cut off from the financial tools they need to grow.

    National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report shows that in 2022, only seven per cent of farming communities secured bank credit, leaving millions unable to scale operations. Sterling Bank is changing that narrative through digital solutions, customised financing, and strategic partnerships that empower farmers, boost yields, and strengthen food systems.

    According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agriculture contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, employing around 35 per cent of the workforce. The sector spans four key sub-sectors: crop production, livestock, forestry, and fishing.

    Challenges in the agricultural sector

    The agricultural industry faces deep-rooted challenges – low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, climate-related shocks, post-harvest losses, and most critically, limited access to finance. These factors have long discouraged commercial banks from engaging the sector.

    However, in Lagos and Ogun States, the story is shifting. In 2022, 26 per cent and 14 per cent of farmers, respectively, accessed micro-credits (NBS) and nationally, the value of credit to private agriculture jumped from N853 billion in Q1 2020 to over N4 trillion by fourth quarter of 2021 (NBS, 2022), illustrating what’s possible when financing is prioritised.

    Unlocking growth via financial innovation

    Sterling Bank has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria’s agriculture sector. Through its HEART strategy – an investment focus on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation – the bank developed the Agriculture Finance Value Chain Model (AgFin). This framework has channeled billions of Naira in financing to smallholder farmers, processors, and aggregators, enabling them to scale operations sustainably.

    Read Also: Tinubu dismisses one-party state fears

    “We’re investing in entire value chains, not just funding farms but supporting processors, aggregators, and market access,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank.

    The bank’s approach is both financial and digital. Through collaborations with agritech startups, it delivers weather analytics, remote diagnostics, and market intelligence directly to farmers. Tools like SABEX, its commodity-trading platform, link farmers to buyers and eliminate middlemen, while initiatives like SWAY-AgFin increase financing access for women and youth.

    Dr. Olushola Obikanye

    Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) and Beyond


    Sterling Bank convenes leading voices and changemakers at its flagship annual platform, Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA), a policy-driven forum advancing innovation, inclusive market access, and strategic collaboration across the agricultural value chain.

    Over the years, ASA has drawn the support and participation of respected partners including the Mastercard Foundation, Benue State Government, Leadway Assurance, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), among others. These alliances have enriched the summit’s outcomes, powering farmer advisory programmes, nationwide radio initiatives, and evidence-backed policy dialogues designed to turn insight into action.

    To date, the bank has financed over one million farmers, disbursed more than N500 billion in agri-loans, trained 22,000+ farmers in modern farming techniques

    One of the standout success stories of Sterling Bank’s agricultural financing journey is Palm Valley Nigeria Limited, a valued partner since 2019.

    In 2021, the company secured N276 million to finance rice and maize production for 1,500 farmers. By 2022, this support grew to N250 million, benefiting 1,700 farmers and cultivating over 1,313 hectares.

    In 2023, the funding increased to N461 million, expanding the project even further. By 2024, Sterling Bank provided N819 million to fund the cultivation of hybrid vitamin A maize, involving around 2,000 farmers.

    This growing partnership with Palm Valley is not just a testament to the bank’s success but has also attracted more partners into its agricultural financing ecosystem.

    Strategic partnerships and the road ahead

    Group Head of Agric Finance and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank, Dr. Olushola Obikanye, highlighted the value of structured commodity finance, where farmers use their harvest as collateral, a model that improves liquidity and reduces risk.

    Sterling Bank’s inclusion in the Nigerian Food Systems Transformation Alliance underscores its role in shaping the country’s agricultural future. This multi-stakeholder platform, made up of FMCGS, financial institutions, and government agencies, seeks to build a resilient and inclusive food system by 2030.

    Looking ahead, the bank is committed to expanding access poultry finance, fertilizer finance and equipment and asset loans. Through SABEX, it continues to bridge the gap between supply and demand, ensuring farmers get fair pricing and timely payments.

    Nigeria’s agriculture sector stands at an inflection point. With smart financing, inclusive platforms, and tech-driven solutions, Sterling Bank is proving that food security isn’t just a policy goal, it’s an achievable reality

  • Farmer beats suspected thief to death in Ondo

    Farmer beats suspected thief to death in Ondo

    A farmer simply identified Adegoke has beaten a suspected thief to death at Mile 10, Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area.

    Other suspects attacked by Adegoke were said to have been hospitalised.

    Witnesses said Adegoke claimed the suspected thieves have been stealing produce from his farm including his motorcycle.

    The suspected thieves hail from neighbouring Aba Tuntun community.

    According to a source, “Some suspected thieves had been stealing the farm products of one Adegoke, popularly called Ariya. But he had been keeping quiet for long.

    “However, nemesis caught up with the thieves, as Adegoke was able to get hold of two persons out of four found on his farm.

    “Before now, his Cocoa pods, Kola nuts, and plantains had been missing from his farm often and often, including his motorcycle. But he found two persons culpable of the offence.

    Read Also: Ondo gov poll: S’West PDP urges IGP to probe allegedcompromise by security personnel

    “Adegoke beat the two persons to stupor, and in the process, they died. And that has led to intra-communal tension in the area.”

    Adegoke was subsequently arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for investigation.

    Ondo Police spokesman, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the complainant claimed the suspected thieves were around Adegoke farm to pick snails and not to steal.

    She said it was the wife of Adegoke that called her husband that thieves were in his farm and he returned to attack them.

    The Police spokesman said investigation was still on.

  • Farmer allegedly beats suspected thief to death in Ondo

    Farmer allegedly beats suspected thief to death in Ondo

    …Other suspects hospitalised

    A farmer, identified as Adegoke, has reportedly beaten a suspected thief to death in Mile 10, Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area.

    Several other suspects involved in the alleged theft were also injured in the attack and have been hospitalized.

    Witnesses stated that Adegoke claimed the suspects had been stealing produce from his farm, including his motorcycle. 

    The suspected thieves were said to be from the neighboring Aba Tuntun community.

    According to a source, “Some suspected thieves had been stealing the farm produces of one Adegoke, popularly called Ariya. But he had been keeping quiet for long.

    “However, nemesis caught up with the thieves, as Adegoke was able to get hold of two persons out of four found on his farm.

    Read Also: Residents flee Abia community following policeman’s murder

    “Before now, his Cocoa pods, Kola nuts, and plantains had been missing from his farm often and often, including his motorcycle. But he found two persons culpable of the offence.

    “Adegoke beat the two persons to stupor, and in the process, they died. And that has led to intra-communal tension in the area.”

    Adegoke was subsequently arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Akure for investigation.

    Ondo Police spokesman, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the complainant claimed the suspected thieves were around Adegoke farm to pick snails and not to steal.

    She said it was the wife of Adegoke that called her husband that thieves were in his farm and he returned to attack them.

    The Police spokesman said investigation was still ongoing. 

  • Tinubu’s aide distributes fertilizer to farmers

    Tinubu’s aide distributes fertilizer to farmers

    The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Agriculture, Foods Security, Hon. Abiodun Yinusa, has flag-off distributions of free fertilizer to farmers across the western states, under the Renewed Hope For Agricultural Intervention for Farmers.

    At the flag-off, Yinusa who was represented by the Coordinator, Renewed Hope For Agricultural Intervention for Farmers, West, Lawal Rafiu stated that the launch was in fulfillment of President Tinubu’s promise to continue to promote agriculture and that we must produce what we eat.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Akpabio, govs, others condole with Eno over wife’s death

    “The programme is in line with President Bola Tiubu’s Renewal Hope agenda to ensure that we eat what we produce and produce what we eat.

    “This step is a way to tackle food shortage in the country, and to improve the life of farmers, and also increase food production to mitigate the defect in food production.”

    He charged the farmers to ensure judicious application of the substance for better yields in the next harvest season.

  • Ondo farmer killed after receiving compensation for damaged crops

    Ondo farmer killed after receiving compensation for damaged crops

    A 36-year-old farmer, Sunday Ayenis, from Uba Oka in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area, was killed just days after herders compensated him for damaging his crops.

    Villagers alleged that the herders were responsible for the killing, saying that Ayenis was found dead in his farm with his intestines exposed.

    It was gathered that his dog, which had accompanied him to the farm, was also killed and found lying beside him.

    Sources suggest the attack occurred because the herders were dissatisfied with the amount of compensation they had paid.

    The compensation was reportedly negotiated by security agents and community elders.

    Read Also: Why we are supporting Tinubu’s govt, by Southeast youth leaders

    According to the source: “He went to his farm with his dog as usual yesterday but he didn’t come back on time and this led to a search party going to the bush.

    “It was the search party who discovered his lifeless body in pool of his blood with his dog and cutlass beside him.”

    A farmer and community leader Mr. Pius Imoru, said the entire community was in mourning mood.

    Imoru said they were now scared of going to their farms because of herdsmen attacks.

    It was gathered that a combined security team of the police and Amotekun Corps have been deployed to trail the assalaints.

  • Farmer seeks favourable policies

    The Federal Government has been urged to implement measures that will uplift the agricultural sector to boost farmers’  productivity.

    Speaking at the launch of 50 tractors  of Sonalinka assembled by Niji Tractors at Ilero, Oyo State, the Managing Director of Niji Group, Mr. Kolawole Adeniji, said the sector needs a functional  roadmap,  which will  include increasing crop yields, using efficient input, improving crop intensity and giving farmers subsidised prices.

    Adeniji said the Federal Government must restructure agricultural banks and do a proper loan for agribusiness development.

    He said if the government should rejig its agricultural policies and reposition the agric banks to make them farmers’ friendly.

    According to him, most of the bank officials do not understand agribusiness, and as such find it diificult to attend to farmers’needs.

    He said: “Agriculture is not like any other business you do and you can’t use the system in the office to solve it. The banks need to come down to the farm spend like six months and look at what the farmers suffered before they say they want to support; if not so, we can’t move forward.

    Narrating how the tractors assembled by Niji came about, he said when Bank of Industry (BoI) approved the loan to First City Monumental Bank (FCBM), for the Tractor Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN) to acquire the tractors after meeting all the  conditions, the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) declined to grant the loan.

    He explained: “That was when we went to the Africa French Development Bank for support to guaranty what NIRSAL could not guaranty after four months of TOOAN paying for the loan they didn’t actually receive.

    ‘’NIRSAL declined the transaction they were supposed to support for no reasons, knowing full well that this group is well organised and it is on ground.

    “What will make NIRSAL not to guaranty a good transaction that will develop agriculture in Nigeria, that we have to wait another four months to search for another country to come and guarantee? That means the money that was supposed to go into Nigerians’ pocket  actually went out. This means we are not ready for agribusiness.’’

    He lamented that the poor farmers who struggled to get the money  to FCMB were paying interest on a loan that they had received or on the project it was meant for.

    TOOAN National President  Elesa Bitrus Yakubu, an engineer, said the acquisition of the tractors would go down in the history of TOOAN; that it approached the bank for a loan to finance 50 units of tractors, negotiated, met the loan conditions and secured the nod for the N500 million without intervention from the government or any intermediary.

    He, however, lauded BoI for considering TOOAN credit worthy. He also lauded FCMB and African Development (AFD) for their support and for agreing to manage the loan repayment and provide a guaranty for loan.

    He added: “We are grateful to FCMB and AFD for trusting us to repay the loan. This gesture is a golden opportunity, considering  that the Federal Government agency (NIRSAL) that is supposed to provide the Credit Risk Guaranty (CRG) declined to consider our request, despite our appeals to grant us audience to discuss further on the CRG-ADB’s partnership.’’

  • Farmer, timber seller steal car

    A farmer and a timber seller were yesterday arraigned at an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a Honda Accord worth N950,000.

    Oludare Adeola, 48, who lives at Okada Reserved Area, Abeokuta, Ogun State and Monday Ogundipe, 38, residing at 8, Ileshi Street, Adatan, Abeokuta, are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Inspector Victor Eruada said the accused, with others at large, committed the offence last year, at Abule Egba, Lagos.

    Read also: Falana to workers: fight governors who resist N30,000 minimum wage

    He alleged that the accused conspired and stole the car marked EKY-114 ED, belonging to Mr. Rotimi Adekola.

    Eruada said the duo stole the car from where it was parked.

    “The complainant reported the case at Oke-Odo Police Station.

    “After months, Adekola received a call from the police informing him that his car had been recovered and the accused arrested,” he said.

    Chief Magistrate M.I. Dan-Oni granted the accused N300, 000 bail each with two sureties in the like sum.

    The sureties, she said, must be employed. She adjourned  till March 4.

     

  • Fulani group seeks amnesty for victims of farmers/ herders clashes

    A Fulani Socio-Cultural Group under the auspices of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN) is seeking President Muhammadu Buhari led APC Federal Government to urgently and responsively fast track the granting of a comprehensive amnesty programme to all the victims of farmers/herders crisis.

    It observed that the sad experience of the crises has negatively reduced the pastoralists to unwilling and circumstantial criminals as a result of losses of their entire source of livelihood and survival.

    The urgent and necessary call by the group is contained in a communique issued following its national delegates meeting held at the Sultan Bello Mosque conference Hall in Kaduna.

    The communique signed by three Principal Executives of the group which include Alhaji Sale Bayari, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi and Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu as the national chairman, national secretary and zonal national vice chairman, South West also identified the gross negligence by the three tiers of Government of over 15 million members of the herders community in the country.

    The trio further pointed out that the negative development has since resulted in many loss of lives and billions of naira, as well as the abandonment of a great segment of the herdsmen and their means of livelihood.

    “It is unfortunate that the government has failed to address problems like cattle rustling and kidnapping, that have led to the near national collapse of the animal husbandry or national livestock industry in the country.

    ” This condition has given birth to restiveness, hopelessness, joblessness, confusion and a state of anomie where nobody knows what is right from wrong. Such situation has led to many unconstitutional enactments and passing into law of draconian, inhuman, restrictive, segregation and divisive anti-grazing laws that have banned otherwise legitimate and lawful means of livelihood of herdsmen.

    ” Total bewilderment of lack of any redemptive or palliative support for the herdsmen as fellow Nigerians by the federal government despite the huge losses with rough estimates of about 2500 human lives and about 3.7 million cattle without any compensation or subsidy.”

    The group also lamented on the failure of the Government to provide assistance to the herders as was being extended to others in the agricultural and allied sectors like crop farmers and many others, through Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, (FMARD), Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the presidency.

    ” It is evident that the sum of about 84b naira for subsidy on rice farmers and another 60b naira for rice flood disaster victims under the Chairmanship of Mr President were dole out to these groups respectively”, The communique pointed out.

    It, however,  condemned the exclusion of its members ( men and women) from almost all the government economic empowerment palliatives such as Tradermoni, subsidy, International aids, grants logistics given to other Nigerians in addition to FMARD and CBN which gulp all the 15 percent budget allocation in Agriculture ministry to only crop farmers.

    Similarly, the conference according to the communique, condemned the involvement of the herdsmen association in the dirty and partisan politics of candidates endorsement as well as outright reckless abuses or condemnation of other candidates.

    As such, it described the visit to the presidential Villa and press conferences in Abuja to either support or curse other candidates as embarrassing while reminding the members that the two leading candidates are of the same tribe and faith.

    In a related development, the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association, GADFAN has thrown it’s weight behind restructuring of the country saying, ” in view of the massive problems that have overwhelmed the herders society in the country, we called for and endorsed the agenda of restructuring of the country as well as those that take it as cardinals of principles of their administration agenda.

    “We also welcome statement of Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai at the colloquium organised for Bisi Akande in Ibadan where he calls for the restructuring of the country.

    “It is the strong view of this meeting that the need to restructure the country is one of the greatest needs and challenges facing Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria today.

    “Today the problems of the herdsmen bother on their survival or extinction now more than before”, it pointed out.

  • Photo story of Benue’s forgotten children

    A Childhood Lost...

  • Farmer, 20, remanded over motorcycle theft

    A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Minna on Friday ordered a 20-year old farmer, Sunday Danjuma, to be remanded in prison for alleged theft of motorcycle.

    Danjuma is standing trial on a count charge of theft, contrary to section 287 of the penal code law.

    The Police Prosecutor, ASP. Daniel Ikwoche, told the court that one Nura Usman, a vigilante member arrested and brought the accused person to the Bosso station on Sept. 8

    Ikwoche said the accused person was alleged to have stolen a motorcycle, valued at N62,000, belonging to one Suleiman Tasiu of Dutsen Kura, Minna.

    When the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty.

    The Prosecutor thereafter asked the court for an adjournment to enable the police to complete its investigation into the matter.

    In his ruling, the presiding magistrate Nasiru Muazu ordered the accused person to be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter until Oct. 25 for further mention.