Nigeria News (Standard)
BOA MD Partners Women Affairs Ministry to Unlock ₦1.7trn Agriculture Potential for 30 Million Women Farmers
Ayodeji Sotinrin leads Bank of Agriculture team to Abuja, urges targeted financing for women to drive $1 trillion economy goal
Ayodeji Sotinrin leads Bank of Agriculture team to Abuja, urges targeted financing for women to drive $1 trillion economy goal
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ayodeji Oludare Sotinrin, has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s over 30 million women farmers as part of efforts to build the nation’s projected $1 trillion economy. Sotinrin made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit by the BOA management team to the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Sotinrin stated that women account for nearly half of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce, stressing their critical role in national food security and poverty reduction. He emphasised that empowering women through access to finance and support services is key to unlocking opportunities across the agricultural value chain. The meeting signalled a new partnership between BOA and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs aimed at providing targeted loans and investment products specifically designed for women farmers.
The BOA chief explained that supporting women in agriculture would not only enhance household incomes but also contribute significantly to achieving government’s economic diversification agenda. He noted that with proper financing, women can expand production, adopt modern farming techniques, and participate more actively in agribusiness ventures. “Our engagement with the Ministry is geared towards removing barriers for female farmers so they can contribute fully to Nigeria’s economic growth,” Sotinrin said.
Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely given current challenges around food inflation and rising unemployment. She assured the BOA management of her ministry’s readiness to collaborate on projects that will boost capacity-building, land access, and market linkages for women across all six geopolitical zones.
The two agencies are expected to develop joint programmes targeting improved financial inclusion for rural women farmers in the coming months. Stakeholders say such interventions could help drive Nigeria closer to its $1 trillion economy target while addressing long-standing gender gaps within the agriculture sector.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NADF Launches Blended Finance Framework in Lagos to Boost Private Sector Agricultural Lending
New initiative seeks to de-risk agribusiness investments as officials say government funding alone cannot transform sector
New initiative seeks to de-risk agribusiness investments as officials say government funding alone cannot transform sector
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) on Tuesday unveiled a blended finance framework aimed at increasing private sector lending to agriculture in Nigeria. The announcement was made during a workshop for fund managers held in Lagos, as the agency moved to attract more private capital into the nation’s critical agriculture sector.
The event, organised by NADF in partnership with Convergence Blended Finance, brought together stakeholders from across the financial industry. NADF said the framework is designed to reduce risks associated with agricultural investments and open up new opportunities for financiers within Nigeria’s financial system.
Speaking at the launch, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF—represented by the Fund’s General Manager for Partnerships and Investor Relations, Nasir Ingawa—stressed that transforming Nigerian agriculture would require resources beyond what government alone can provide. “Agriculture is central to Nigeria’s food security, job creation, industrial growth, export potential and prosperity,” Ibrahim said. He added that more engagement from private investors is necessary to realise these goals.
The blended finance approach combines public and private funds to support agribusinesses, helping mitigate risks that traditionally discourage banks and investors from committing long-term capital. This move comes as farmers and processors continue to face challenges accessing affordable credit for expansion and modernisation.
Industry experts at the workshop welcomed the new framework but cautioned that sustained policy support and clear regulatory guidelines will be vital for success. NADF said it will continue stakeholder engagement sessions nationwide as it seeks to expand access to financing across all segments of Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Pledges Stronger Protection, Economic Support for Widows Nationwide
Officials announce new measures to address widowhood challenges as part of broader social welfare reforms
Officials announce new measures to address widowhood challenges as part of broader social welfare reforms
The federal government has announced plans to intensify protection and economic assistance for widows across Nigeria, promising renewed efforts to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group. The commitment was disclosed on Wednesday, 24 June, during a policy update from Abuja.
Authorities outlined that the new initiative will prioritise both legal safeguards and targeted financial support for widows in all states. According to officials, the move forms part of ongoing national social welfare reforms aimed at reducing poverty and advancing gender equity, particularly for women who have lost their spouses and often face social exclusion or economic hardship.
Widowhood remains a significant issue in Nigeria, with many affected women confronting discrimination, limited access to resources, and sometimes harmful traditional practices. The federal government’s renewed attention comes amid calls from advocacy groups and international partners urging stronger legal protections and inclusive support mechanisms.
While details of the new measures were not fully disclosed as at Wednesday, officials emphasised the administration’s resolve to collaborate with state governments, civil society organisations, and traditional leaders. “We are committed to ensuring that no widow is left behind in our social protection agenda,” one senior official said.
Implementation of the planned reforms is expected to begin before year end, with monitoring structures set up at both federal and state levels. Stakeholders have welcomed the announcement but called for concrete action to translate policy promises into real benefits for widows nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Adjourns ₦577m Land Fraud Trial as EFCC Witness Suffers Bereavement
Proceedings halted after prosecution requests new date; defendants face 17-count charge over Katampe District properties
Proceedings halted after prosecution requests new date; defendants face 17-count charge over Katampe District properties
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday stalled the trial of two real estate executives accused of a ₦577 million land fraud, following a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an adjournment after its key witness lost his mother. The case, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, involves Dr. Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, Chief Executive Officer of Homadil Realty Ltd, and Idakwogi Richard John, Chief Executive Officer of Rychado Homes Limited, who are standing trial alongside their companies.
EFCC counsel Chiamaka Njoku informed the court that the scheduled prosecution witness was prepared to testify but could not appear due to bereavement. “We prepared the witness for today but he lost his mother; we are asking for another date,” Njoku told the court during Wednesday’s proceedings. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to a yet-to-be-announced date to allow the EFCC present its witness.
Godwin-Isaac and John were arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery, obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering linked to disputed properties in Cadastral Zone B07, Katampe District of Abuja. The EFCC alleges that the defendants fraudulently obtained large sums under false claims related to land transactions in one of Abuja’s high-value districts.
Land fraud remains a significant concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb illegal dealings and protect property buyers. The high-profile nature of this case has drawn attention from industry stakeholders and legal observers, given the scale of funds involved and the prominence of the accused executives.
With proceedings now adjourned, both prosecution and defence await a new hearing date as at press time. The outcome of this trial is expected to set important precedents for future land-related fraud cases in the Federal Capital Territory.
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