Theinvestigator news

Category: Agriculture

  • Sterling Bank Leads Africa’s Green Revolution

    Sterling Bank Leads Africa’s Green Revolution

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    Africa’s agricultural rebirth gathers momentum as Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) 2025, the continent’s foremost platform for advancing sustainable and inclusive agricultural transformation, returns under the bold theme ‘Survival of the Greenest: Reclaiming Africa’s Food Destiny’.

    Scheduled for November 6–7, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, ASA 2025 is set to spotlight financing pathways to drive sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.

    Now in its eighth year and convened by Sterling Bank, the summit will bring together policymakers, agribusiness leaders, investors, and innovators from across Africa and beyond to explore innovative solutions to the continent’s agricultural challenges.

    Furthermore, the event will foster collaboration and innovation, examining how green finance, digital tools, and climate-smart practices can transform Africa into the world’s next agricultural powerhouse.

    Addressing attendees at the press conference to announce plans for the summit, Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, emphasised the Bank’s purpose for convening the summit, noting that, “At Sterling, we believe Africa’s food future will be secured not by chance but by deliberate, collective effort.”

    “Our commitment is rooted in the conviction that agriculture is central to Africa’s transformation, socially, economically, and environmentally. ASA 2025 is a platform that has galvanised this transformation by uniting policymakers, innovators, and investors around one shared goal: reclaiming Africa’s food destiny through sustainability and innovation.”

    With over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land and a rapidly growing population, Africa holds immense potential to become a global agricultural powerhouse. However, productivity challenges, limited access to finance, and the escalating impacts of climate change continue to hinder food security. ASA 2025 will leverage multi-sector partnerships and policy alignment to accelerate the continent’s transition from dependence to self-sufficiency.

    “This year’s theme, ‘Survival of the Greenest,’ underscores both the urgency and the unique opportunity before us,” commented Olushola Obikanye, Group Head, Agric Finance and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank. “Africa’s food future lies in sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.

    ASA provides a platform where governments, financiers, innovators, and farmers can engage meaningfully to design solutions that strengthen agricultural value chains, unlock financing, and foster inclusion. Agriculture is not just an economic imperative; it is the heartbeat of Africa’s transformation,” he added.

    The two-day event will host delegates from over 30 African countries, providing valuable opportunities for networking, policy engagement, and investment facilitation among agribusinesses, innovators, and financiers enabling access to capital.

    The event will also feature high-level panels, keynote addresses, policy dialogues, exhibitions, and an Investment Deal Room (a marketplace designed to connect investors with viable agribusiness ventures and initiatives).

    Sunbeth Global Concepts, a global agro-commodities sourcing and trading company, will co-convene the summit, contributing its expertise in agribusiness strategy, capacity building, and development partnerships.

    Eyitemi Adebowale, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Sunbeth, spoke to the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, saying, “We are proud to co-convene ASA 2025 because we believe the future of Africa’s development is rooted in sustainable agriculture.

    Through this summit, we aim to spotlight solutions that empower farmers, attract investment, and promote climate-smart practices that build resilience across the continent.”

    With strategic partners including Mastercard, which will lead discussions on digital tools for agricultural transformation, ASA 2025 is poised to ignite a movement toward innovation and financial inclusion within the agricultural sector.

    Other key sponsors and partners include the International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Alternative Bank, Arzikin Noma, ONE Foundation, Noor Takaful, Bühler, and many others.

    Investigator reports that Agriculture Summit Africa (ASA) is the continent’s foremost platform for advancing agricultural innovation, investment, and sustainability.

    It brings together leaders from government, business, and development sectors to foster collaboration, share insights, and drive action toward a resilient, inclusive agricultural future for Africa.

    Interested participants and organisations can register at www.agricsummit.org.

    Sterling Bank Limited is a full-service national commercial bank in Nigeria and a member of Sterling Financial Holdings Group.

    With a heritage of over 60 years, the bank has evolved from Nigeria’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a trusted provider of retail, commercial, and corporate banking services.

    Sterling is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity, and a steadfast focus on its HEART strategy, which centers on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, showing how purpose-driven leadership can deliver transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.

    Guided by a culture of innovation and a passion for excellence, Sterling Bank remains dedicated to redefining the banking experience for millions of customers across Nigeria.

  • Ejigbo Farmers Shine At World Food Day Celebration.

    Ejigbo Farmers Shine At World Food Day Celebration.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) farmers stole the show at the 2025 World Food Day Celebration in Lagos, showcasing the success of Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo’s (TAT) agricultural initiatives.

    The event organized by the Lagos State Government took place at the Police College Field,Ikeja witnessed a large turnout of farmers from different local government showcasing and exhibiting from their fresh produce.

    Ejigbo’s display of fresh produce and innovation earned applause from dignitaries, solidifying its position in Lagos’ food value chain.

    This is line with TAT’s flagship program which provides farmers with land, quality seedlings, modern tools, and direct market access, boosting productivity and local economy.

    Investigator news reports that the initiative has encouraged youth involvement in agriculture,thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth.

    Investigator news gathered that Ejigbo’s agricultural sector has been revitalized through the “OJA OKO Scheme”,under the leadership of Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo,an initiative providing farmers with land, quality seedlings, modern tools, and direct market access.

    TAT’s commitment to food security, farmer empowerment, and sustainable economic growth continues to position Ejigbo LCDA as a model for grassroots agricultural transformation in Lagos State.

     

     

     

     

  • World Food Day:Ejigbo LCDA Chairman Urges Youths To Embrace Agriculture

    World Food Day:Ejigbo LCDA Chairman Urges Youths To Embrace Agriculture

    Emmanuel lkpeama

    The Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (TAT), has called on youths to consider agriculture as a viable path to wealth creation and sustainable livelihoods.

    This message was delivered in a statement to commemorate World Food Day 2025, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”

    In a statement released by his Media handlers,Taiwo emphasized the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, job creation, and community development in Ejigbo LCDA.

    He noted that his administration has launched initiatives like the “Oja Oko Scheme” to empower farmers, promote agribusiness, and enhance food production.

    “As we commemorate World Food Day 2025, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” I extend warm greetings to all residents of Ejigbo LCDA — especially our hardworking farmers who remain the backbone of our local economy”

    “Our administration recognizes agriculture as a vital pillar for economic growth, job creation, and community development.”

    “We are committed to empowering our farmers, promoting agribusiness, and investing in programs that enhance food production, improve market access, and strengthen food security across Ejigbo.”

    “Through initiatives like the “Oja Oko Scheme”and other agricultural empowerment drives, we are building a system that rewards hard work, encourages innovation, and ensures that no household goes hungry.”the statement reads.

    The Council Chairman highlighted the need to strengthen food security across Ejigbo and encouraged youths to explore opportunities in agriculture.

    “On this World Food Day, I call on our youths to embrace agriculture as a path to wealth creation and sustainable livelihoods. Together, we can make Ejigbo a hub of agricultural excellence and economic resilience.”he stated

     

     

     

     

     

  • Ejigbo LCDA Boss,Aare Taiwo Launches “Oja Oko Scheme” To Boost Agriculture.

    Ejigbo LCDA Boss,Aare Taiwo Launches “Oja Oko Scheme” To Boost Agriculture.

    Emmanuel lkpeama

    In order to revolutionize local agriculture by connecting farmers directly with consumers, stabilizing produce prices,reducing post-harvest losses,and boosting farmers’ income,the Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA),Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo, has inaugurated the newly elected executives of the Ejigbo LCDA Farmers’ Association and launched the “Oja Oko Scheme” (Farmers Mart).

    The scheme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing agriculture as a key tool for job creation, food security, and sustainable economic growth.

    Investigator news reports that after a decade of challenges, the administration of Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo has brought in a fresh and seamless election that midwifed the new Executives, restoring confidence, unity, and purpose among Ejigbo’s farming community.

    In his speech,Aare Taiwo urged stakeholders to collaborate in making Ejigbo a model for grassroots agricultural transformation, noting that “Oja Oko Scheme”is the first brainchild of his administration.

    “The seeds of unity and innovation planted today will yield prosperity for generations to come”he said

    He called on the newly inaugurated executives to pilot and coordinate the initiative, which aims to connect farmers directly with consumers, stabilize produce prices, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost farmers’ income ahead of the World Food Day celebrations.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent officials,including Vice Chairman,Hon. Mrs. Abimbola Nicholas-Ike, Council Manager,Pastor Olusegun Ajagunna, and Mrs. Tunrayo Romoke Falaye,who commended the transparent leadership and grassroots inclusiveness of the LCDA administration.

    Investigator news gathered that the “Oja Oko Scheme”, also referred to as the “Farmers Mart” initiative, is a program launched by the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to support local farmers and improve the agricultural sector.

    Aims and objectives of the scheme would be to connect farmers directly with consumers,so as to eliminate middlemen and enable farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers, ensuring better prices for both parties.

    Creating a direct link between farmers and consumers, the scheme seeks to stabilize prices and reduce price volatility and minimize losses that occur after harvesting by providing a platform for farmers to sell their produce promptly.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Kogi Govt Drives Agricultural Revolution Through Strategic Partnership.

    Kogi Govt Drives Agricultural Revolution Through Strategic Partnership.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Kogi State Government has strengthened its collaboration with federal agencies and international partners to boost food security and promote agricultural export, positioning agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy.

    This as the state government embarked on a working visit to Geregu in Ajaokuta Local Government Area on Friday, where government officials and a delegation of agriculture experts and investors inspected farms and engaged stakeholders on opportunities for mechanised farming and market expansion in the market.

    The Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, who led the team, said the initiative reflects Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision of leveraging the state’s resources in agriculture to create jobs, empower farmers, and strengthen the economy.

    He said, “Our Governor has always said we must produce what we eat and eat what we produce. With mechanisation, innovation, and the right partnerships, Kogi will not only feed its citizens but the rest of Nigeria.

    Investigator news reports that the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision to leverage the state’s agricultural resources to create jobs, empower farmers, and stimulate economic growth.

    With a focus on mechanization, innovation, and partnerships, Kogi State aims to become a major food producer and supplier, not only for its citizens but also for the rest of Nigeria.