The Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ayo Sotinrin, has said that empowering women is critical to achieving Nigeria’s economic growth and agricultural transformation.
In a statement signed by Team Lead, Corporate Communication Department, Ruth Didam, Sotinrin said the bank remains committed to strengthening women’s participation in agriculture and agribusiness as the world marks the on March 8, 2026.
According to him, sustainable national development cannot be achieved without the full and active participation of Nigerian women, noting that investing in women yields far-reaching economic and social benefits for families, communities and the country at large.
“Empowering a woman is not merely a philanthropic act; it is one of the most strategic investments we can make in Nigeria’s economy,” Sotinrin said.
“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.”
Sotinrin explained that the bank’s initiatives align with the Renewed Hope agenda of President , which prioritises agriculture, food security and inclusive economic growth as pillars of national development.
He disclosed that through its various financing windows, including the Grow and Earn More (GEM), Micro Agric Loan and Micro Non-Agric Loan schemes, the bank has disbursed over ₦8 billion to women across the country to support female farmers, entrepreneurs and organised women groups in agriculture and agribusiness.
According to him, the facilities have enabled thousands of women to expand production, grow their businesses, diversify livelihoods and improve household incomes.
He added that the impact of the bank’s interventions is already visible across several communities nationwide, where women groups are actively engaged in farming, food processing and agribusiness activities.
Sotinrin further revealed that in a major step toward closing the gender gap in access to modern farming equipment, the bank recently facilitated the distribution of subsidised tractors to women mechanisation service providers across the country.
He said the initiative was designed to position women not only as participants but also as drivers of mechanised farming services within their communities, thereby boosting productivity and strengthening national food security.
Sotinrin called on stakeholders in government, the private sector and civil society to take deliberate actions to support women by investing in their enterprises, expanding access to financing and promoting mechanisation in agriculture.
He added that such efforts would complement national welfare and nutrition programmes championed by the First Lady, , and help build a healthier and more prosperous nation.
“When women thrive, Nigeria thrives,” he said.