ABUJA- Farmers across various regions and sectors have expressed optimism following the appointment of Mr Ayo Sontirin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).
They shared their views during interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
Harirat Yakubu, North Central Coordinator of the Farmers’ Initiative, said Nigerian women in agriculture had long awaited such an appointment and were ready to extend their full cooperation to the new MD.
Yakubu, who also serves as President of the Double Tree Group, noted that women farmers were open and willing to collaborate with the new bank leadership to promote food sufficiency across Nigeria.
“This is a welcome development, and we pray that many positive changes will follow, particularly for women in the North Central region, where most farmers are smallholders.
“I urge the new MD to recognise the vital role women can play in agriculture and to involve them in training and sensitisation programmes.
“Women farmers need more advocacy and training to expose them to agricultural technologies that can help unlock their greater potential and skills.
“The world is changing, and many countries are adopting smart agriculture, which we hope to embrace through collaborative engagement with him, “she said.
She also called on women farmers to welcome and support the new leadership and advocated for increased awareness initiatives to encourage women’s participation in industrialised agriculture.
Also speaking, Dr Farouk Rabiu-Mudi, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), expressed similar optimism on Sontirin’s appointment.
Rabiu-Mudi said the announcement had generated excitement among farmers, praising Sontirin’s strong background in agriculture.
“His experience positions him well to understand farmers’ needs and to deliver practical solutions,” he said.
He expressed hope that the new MD’s leadership would bring positive reforms to both the bank and the wider agricultural sector.
“Farmers certainly expect easier access to loans, stronger financial support, and improved training and extension services under the new leadership.
“The ongoing capitalisation of the bank is also expected to strengthen its capacity to support farmers effectively,” he added.
The AFAN leader further urged Sontirin to prioritise the promotion of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation to ensure the sector’s long-term growth.
In his remarks, Mr Romanus Eze, State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Enugu State Chapter, raised concerns over the Bank of Agriculture’s ineffectiveness in the South East.
According to him, farmers in the region are hopeful that the new administration will develop strategies to better include the South East.
“While the bank is operational in some parts of the country, it has failed to function effectively in the South East, despite numerous meetings and discussions aimed at addressing this issue,” he said.
Eze emphasised that agriculture remains Nigeria’s most sustainable path to economic recovery, particularly as more citizens return to farming.
“Our present situation results from an over-dependence on oil. There is an urgent need to refocus on agriculture, which is a universally viable alternative,” he said.
He urged the new MD to appoint regional directors and competent branch managers who understand local contexts.
He stressed that this would enable the Bank of Agriculture to better address region-specific challenges and operate more efficiently nationwide, including in the currently neglected South East.
Eze added that farmers in the region were actively engaged in livestock processing, marketing, and other agricultural value chain activities, all of which require timely financial support.
He noted that the military had also supported agricultural development by providing land banks in Enugu State.
“Over 6,000 farmers have already indicated interest in accessing these lands for farming,” he said.
He stressed the need to organise and mobilise farmers, noting that with proper awareness, grants, and soft loans, many in the South East would embrace the system and boost food sufficiency. (NAN)
