Agriculture
Wema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024

…Awarded:
• SME Financier of the Year (Africa)
• Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has received two awards of excellence at the Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 which held in São Paulo, Brazil between September 16 & 18, 2024. The awards received are SME Financier of the Year (Africa) and Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa).
The Global SME Finance Forum is the world’s leading, technically oriented and geographically diverse platform focused solely on scaling SME financing worldwide. Managed by this Forum, The Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards is dedicated to acknowledging the effective and successful practices of financiers across the world, honouring the innovative products and services these financiers create for SMEs, recognising the impressive results in expanding finance and services to SMEs, and celebrating these exceptional financial institutions. Wema Bank emerged Africa’s top financier not just for the general SME landscape but also particularly for women-owned SMEs, at the 2024 edition of the annual Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards.
Reputed as the Bank of choice for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Wema Bank received recognition for its commendable track record of developing innovative, sustainable and significantly impactful products, services, solutions and opportunities for businesses of all sizes across Nigeria. The Bank’s impact ranges from affordable financing options and seamless payment collection solutions to access to market, digital solutions for efficient business operation and management, SME Advisory services, and a vast range of products tailored to the needs of businesses across every part of Nigeria. Through its women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, Wema Bank continues to tailor its SME offerings specifically for women, helping these women build sustainable businesses and access the resources needed to scale and thrive. The Bank further supports overall growth and well-being of these women with affordable to free healthcare packages. It is beyond doubt that Wema Bank is indeed deserving of its recognition as Africa’s top financier for SMEs and particularly, women entrepreneurs.
Expounding on the Bank’s glaring commitment to empowering MSMEs, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, articulated the big picture for the Bank. “MSMEs make up the bulk of Nigeria’s economy and they are critical to not only mitigating unemployment and other macroeconomic challenges but also promoting innovation and significantly boosting the economy towards national development. At Wema Bank, we recognise the potential that MSMEs hold as well as the challenges that threaten the maximisation of this potential, and we have made a lifelong commitment to providing viable, seamless, accessible, affordable, reliable and effective solutions tailored to the needs of businesses of all sizes across Nigeria; especially women-owned businesses. There is a rising need for intentionally inclusive empowerment strategies in not only stimulating growth in the SME sector but also bridging the gap in gender equality, and we have undertaken the responsibility of fulfilling that need. As a Bank, our mission is to empower lives through innovation, and as always, we will continue to seek more effective ways to empower businesses for optimal productivity and sustainable growth”.
“We are honoured by the global recognition accorded to us by the Global SME Finance Forum and as we receive these awards, we reiterate our commitment to providing businesses with the resources they need and a bouquet of intelligent solutions that mitigate prevalent challenges and make business management and operation seamless, maximally profitable and efficient. Thank you to the Global SME Finance Forum for the acknowledgement, and also to our valued customers who continue to entrust the future of their businesses and their financial well-being in our hands. This prestigious recognition honours our unwavering commitment to empowering SMEs and fostering innovation in SME finance, further fuelling our drive to consistently go above and beyond in accelerating growth for SMEs and delivering optimum value to every stakeholder. We are indeed the Bank of choice for MSMEs and women across Nigeria, and we will never relent in empowering women to thrive and businesses to scale regardless of economic fluctuations”, Oseni remarked.
Wema Bank continues to raise the standards of banking and financial services in Nigeria, demonstrating a commitment to generating positive impact across diverse verticals, a dedication to exceeding expectations and a passion for empowering lives and businesses for success.
Businesses interested in accessing the Bank’s tailored range of finance options and business-centric solutions are encouraged to visit https://wemabank.com/smes or send an email to smehelpdesk@wemabank.com to get started.
Agriculture
From Seeds to Solutions: NASC Equips 25 Youth With Expertise In Plant Variety Protection

…Aims to Boost Food Production, Secure Nigeria’s Agricultural Future
In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government, through the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), has launched an intensive bootcamp to equip young Nigerians with expertise in Plant Variety Protection (PVP).
The initiative, spearheaded by the Nigeria Plant Variety Protection Office (NPVPO), aims to develop a new generation of agricultural professionals capable of improving crop yields, enhancing food security, and driving agribusiness growth.
The boot camp, a 4 day program, brought together 25 carefully selected young professionals from across the country. These individuals according to the council, will receive specialized training in plant breeders’ rights, intellectual property protection, and the commercialization of improved plant varieties, key components in ensuring Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in food production.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Dr. Ishiak Khalid, Acting Director General of NASC, represented by Mallam Ubandoma Hudu, Director of Seed Certification and Quality Control, emphasized that the training represents a major step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
He said; “You have been selected from a pool of over 77 applicants across Nigeria. This is not just about learning, it is about taking responsibility for the future of our food systems. You are here to develop solutions that will shape the next era of Nigerian agriculture.
“I encourage you all to engage in the training, ask critical questions, and embrace the opportunity to lead the charge in modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”
The Registrar of NPVPO, Dr. Folarin Okelola, in an interview with newsmen, restated that PVP is a game-changing strategy that will increase productivity, encourage research, and incentivize the development of high-yield, climate-resilient crops.
“Plant breeders are the backbone of agricultural innovation. Yet, their work has often gone unrecognized. By protecting their innovations, we encourage more research, attract investment, and boost food production,” Okelola stated.
He further emphasized that embracing PVP could increase Nigeria’s agricultural output up to five times. This, he said, would not only ensure national food security but also position Nigeria as a major exporter of agricultural products.
The bootcamp supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recognizes the need for young minds to take over from an ageing farming population.
Meanwhile Dr. Esther Ibrahim, AGRA’s representative, expressed excitement over the initiative, stating that investing in young agricultural professionals is crucial for the country’s long-term food security goals.
“The future of farming depends on fresh, innovative thinkers. We must build a pipeline of young experts who can introduce modern, efficient agricultural practices. This training is the first step toward that vision,” she noted.
As climate change, population growth, and global food insecurity continue to challenge traditional farming methods, Nigeria must embrace science, research, and innovation to safeguard its food supply. The PVP boot camp is more than just a training, it is a launchpad, for a new era in Nigerian agriculture.
These 25 young professionals, will not only gain knowledge but also serve as catalysts for agricultural transformation, developing high-yield crops, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global agricultural economy. The seeds of change have been planted; now, these young professionals must turn knowledge into solutions that will secure Nigeria’s agricultural future.
Agriculture
Experts Commend Seed Council at 7th Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition

The 7th edition of the Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition, organized by the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), brought together global and regional agricultural leaders to discuss innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity, climate change, and advancing the seed system in Africa. Themed “Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity,” the two-day event showcased Nigeria’s leadership in agriculture while highlighting the critical role of seeds in achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Arnab Gupta, Ambassador of the Netherlands and representative of WCDI Netherlands, acknowledged Nigeria’s significant strides in agriculture. In his keynote address, he emphasized the importance of strong partnerships, commending Nigerian seed companies, partners, and agencies for their collaborative efforts. Dr. Gupta expressed the Netherlands’ willingness to support Nigeria in strengthening its seed systems, which he described as pivotal to driving agricultural innovation and resilience.
Dr. Godwin Atser of Sasakawa Africa Association, highlighted the pressing challenges facing global food security, particularly in Africa. He stressed the need for regenerative agriculture as a sustainable solution to mitigate the effects of climate change and land degradation. “As we face unprecedented challenges, it is critical to adopt practices that not only improve productivity but also restore our ecosystems,” Dr. Aser said. He called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to transform agriculture into a tool for resilience and growth.
Also Mr. Rufus Idris, of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), congratulated the council, for yet another successful Seed Connect Conference, underscoring the importance of the event in Africa’s agricultural landscape. He emphasized that “everything agriculture starts with seeds,” positioning seeds as the foundation for addressing food insecurity and combating the impacts of climate change.
He assured participants of AGRA’s continued support for Africa’s seed systems and commended federal government’s effort in spearheading initiatives that inspire regional and global partnerships.
The Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition, once again proved to be a vital platform for discussing transformative solutions to Africa’s agricultural challenges. Delegates from around the globe echoed the call for stronger partnerships, innovation, and investment in the seed sector to bolster food security and environmental sustainability.
Agriculture
Seeds are the Foundation of Agricultural Systems, Says Minister

• …As Stakeholders Call for Enhanced Access to Quality Seeds for Smallholder Farmers
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi, has reiterated the importance of seed and the pivotal role of seed technology in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges.
Speaking at the 7th edition of Seed Connect Africa held in Abuja, Senator Abdullahi emphasized that seeds form the foundation of agricultural systems, directly influencing every stage of farming and agricultural productivity.
Citing the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Minister noted that staple crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa such as maize, rice, and sorghum are among the lowest globally, often falling below 50% of the global average.
The event, themed “Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity”, was organized by the National Agricultural Seed Council and brought together dignitaries, stakeholders, and experts to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s seed systems.
“High-quality seeds tailored to specific agro-ecological zones are essential for achieving higher yields, ensuring food security, and fostering resilience against climate change,” Abdullahi stated.
He also highlighted the vast potential of the global seed market, valued at over $60 billion, which is driven by innovations in genetically enhanced, climate-resilient, and pest-resistant seed varieties. Despite this potential, the Minister acknowledged Africa’s challenges in making these technologies accessible to smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the agricultural sector.
Senator Abdullahi also underscored agriculture’s critical role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing approximately 25% to the GDP and providing employment for over 70% of the rural population. However, he pointed out systemic inefficiencies within the sector, including limited access to high-quality seeds, poor infrastructure, and inadequate awareness among farmers.
“For decades, Nigerian farmers have faced barriers to accessing improved seed varieties, ranging from high costs to limited distribution networks,” Abdullahi said.
He stressed that transforming the seed sector is essential to achieving the administration’s agricultural agenda of ensuring food security and reducing rural poverty.
Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, linked modern agricultural advancements to the evolution of seed technology.
“From the dawn of civilization, seeds have been the bedrock of food security and economic stability,” Adeyemi remarked. He highlighted that genetically pure seeds with high germination rates and vigor are critical for enhancing agricultural productivity. Without these, even the most advanced farming techniques fall short of delivering optimal results.
He further emphasized the importance of educating farmers about the benefits of improved seed varieties. Modern crop varieties bred for pest resistance, climate adaptation, and responsiveness to agricultural inputs have the potential to revolutionize farming practices across Africa.
“By leveraging advancements in seed technology, we can empower farmers to meet both local and global food demands,” Adeyemi said. He called for comprehensive awareness initiatives and farmer-centered policies to drive this transformation.
Meanwhile stakeholders at the conference agreed that unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential requires deliberate efforts to enhance access to high-yield, drought-resistant seeds. They also underscored the role of biotechnology in developing resilient crop varieties tailored to the continent’s diverse climatic conditions.
The event concluded with a call for stronger partnerships between governments, research institutions, and private sector actors to foster innovation in seed systems. Stakeholders highlighted the need for strategic investments and policy reforms to ensure smallholder farmers have affordable access to high-quality seeds. These efforts, they affirmed, will pave the way for sustainable agricultural development across Africa.
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