By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
The AG Mortgage Bank Plc (AGMB), in collaboration with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), has organized a training programme for over 300 farmers in Jigawa State aimed at improving financial literacy, cooperative management, and business development among smallholder farmers.
The training, which was held at the Manpower Development Institute in Dutse, brought together farmers, community leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting, the Head of Funding at AG Mortgage Bank Plc, Mr. Johnson Agbekum, said the partnership with AFAN was designed to strengthen farmers economically through financial education and empowerment programmes.
According to him, the bank intends to provide farmers with financial literacy training, savings education, cooperative management support, and basic business development skills.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the bank’s vision of promoting economic growth through agriculture.
“When farmers grow financially, communities also grow economically,” he stated.
Agbekum, who represented the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, expressed appreciation to AFAN leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and farmers for their support and commitment to the programme.
He described the summit as the beginning of a strategic relationship aimed at improving the economic lives of farmers, deepening financial inclusion, and creating sustainable prosperity for smallholder farmers in Jigawa State and across Nigeria.
He noted that despite being major contributors to Nigeria’s economy and food security, many smallholder farmers remain underserved in areas such as access to affordable financing, modern farming equipment, insurance protection, quality housing, and financial services.
He also highlighted challenges facing farmers, including poor storage facilities, climate-related risks such as flooding and drought, rising costs of farm inputs, and limited access to structured banking systems.
According to him, AG Mortgage Bank Plc is entering the agricultural sector not only as a lender but also as a long-term development partner committed to improving the welfare of farmers.
Agbekum said the bank has continued to position itself as a key player in Nigeria’s housing finance sector through affordable housing initiatives, cooperative banking solutions, structured savings schemes, and mortgage financing for low- and middle-income earners.
He further explained that the partnership with AFAN would support farmers in areas such as financial inclusion, savings culture, agricultural financing, cooperative development, storage support, insurance partnerships, and equipment financing.
He introduced the AG Money Club, a savings and empowerment platform designed to help farmers develop structured savings habits, access financial education, build credibility within the banking system, and qualify for future financing opportunities.
“Even small but consistent savings can become the foundation for future wealth,” he said.
Agbekum added that the bank is also introducing a gradual and affordable micro-housing model suitable for rural and semi-urban communities to enable farmers acquire decent accommodation.
Also speaking at the event, a senior manager at the bank, Mrs. Chinenyem Agugba, said the programme, tagged “AG Mortgage Bank Housing Scheme for Smallholder Farmers,” reflects the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, agricultural empowerment, and sustainable housing development.
She said the bank came to Jigawa not just as a financial institution but as a development partner ready to work with farming communities for long-term prosperity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of AFAN in Jigawa State, Alhaji Auwalu Garba, said over 300 farmers participated in the training programme.
He expressed optimism that more farmers would be encouraged to engage in agriculture in the state as a result of the initiative.
Garba also pledged the association’s support for the Jigawa State Government and promised to ensure members benefit from opportunities designed for farmers.
He called for unity among members of the association, stressing that progress could only be achieved through cooperation and collective commitment
