Bank Of Agriculture Champions Women’s Economic Empowerment

As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has said it stands at the forefront of a movement, declaring that the path to Nigeria’s economic renaissance is paved by the hands of its women.

Under the dual banners of the global campaign theme “Give to Gain” and the United Nations’ call for “Rights, Justice, Action”, the bank said it’s championing women empowerment.

For all women and girls, the bank said it is reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive and prosperous nation where women play a central role in agricultural transformation and economic development.

In a statement issued by DidamTeam lead, corporate communication department at BOA, the bank stated that a 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,” stated managing director of the bank, Ayo Sotinrin.

“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.

The bank said the commitment aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose administration has placed agriculture, food security, and inclusive economic growth at the centre of national development.

Through its programmes and financing initiatives, the Bank said it will continue to support this vision by expanding opportunities for farmers, particularly women.

The bank’s financial windows — including Grow and Earn More (GEM), the Micro Agric Loan, and the Micro Non-Agric Loan—have collectively disbursed over N8 billion to women across Nigeria, deliberately supporting both individual female entrepreneurs and organised women groups engaged in agriculture and agribusiness, the statement said.

“On this International Women’s Day, BOA calls on all stakeholders—government, private sector, and civil society—to Give to Gain: invest in women, mechanize 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 Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, these collective efforts will help ensure a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria for all.When women thrive, Nigeria thrives,” the bank said.