Ogun State has been recognised for its outstanding performance in advancing agricultural finance, receiving two prestigious awards at the GIZ AgFin Closeout Dinner and Award Ceremony.
The two-day event, which opened with a welcome address by Ruskiyat Badmus, Head of Project, GP AgFin Nigeria, marked the formal conclusion of the eight-year Global Project “Promotion of Agriculture Finance for Agri-based Enterprises in Rural Areas” (GP AgFin) Nigeria.
The programme was implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Representing His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State, was Dr. Angel Adelaja-Kuye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security.
She received the awards on behalf of the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (OGMAFS).
In her speech, Dr. Adelaja-Kuye expressed deep appreciation to GIZ, BMZ and all partners for the sustained collaboration over the eight-year period.
She noted that the partnership had significantly strengthened the capacity of farmers, agripreneurs and financial institutions across the state.
Abiodun’s aide further disclosed that, following the formal conclusion of the programme, Ogun State has independently trained 297 farmers and has institutionally incorporated the AgFin training modalities into the Ogun Skills Programme and OGMAFS, thereby ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the gains recorded.
Ogun State was honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of its dedicated commitment to promoting tailored access to agricultural finance for farmers and agripreneurs through its partnership with the Global Project.
The State also received an Award of Recognition, acknowledging its collaborative partnership in agricultural finance with the GP AgFin Nigeria project, implemented by GIZ from January 2018 to October 2026.
These awards highlight Ogun State’s active implementation and institutionalisation of AgFin modalities, its strengthened relationships with financial institutions, and its sustained dedication to the programme’s goals.Strengthening Access to Finance for Farmers.
Under the leadership of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State has consistently partnered with GIZ to equip farmers, agripreneurs, financial institutions and agricultural personnel with the knowledge, tools and capacity required to expand access to agricultural finance.
The State’s engagement has focused on practical outcomes — supporting value chains such as fish farming and cassava processing, facilitating a better understanding of agricultural lending among financial institutions, and integrating AgFin approaches with broader state initiatives, including the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project and blended financing arrangements.
A Reflection of Strategic Commitment
The dual recognition underscores Ogun State’s strategic approach to agricultural transformation and food security. By prioritising the institutionalisation of proven financing models and building lasting partnerships, the State has positioned itself as a reliable collaborator in efforts to bridge the gap between smallholder farmers, agri-based enterprises and formal financial services.As the GP AgFin programme concludes, the awards stand as a clear affirmation of Ogun State’s contribution to building more inclusive and sustainable agricultural finance systems — a commitment that continues under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The recognition not only celebrates past achievements but also reinforces the importance of sustained collaboration between state governments, development partners and the financial sector in driving rural economic growth and food security across Nigeria.
