On 11 March 2026, the Youth Wing of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) at the bank’s headquarters. The meeting focused on exploring strategic collaboration aimed at advancing economic empowerment, employment, and agricultural opportunities for young persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
The delegation represented the National President of JONAPWD, Abdullahi Usman, and was warmly received by the Executive Director of BOA, Mr. Ayodeji Oludare Sotinrin, alongside members of the bank’s management team.
Delegation from JONAPWD Youth Wing
The visit was led by Kenneth Echiche, Technical Advisor to the JONAPWD Youth Wing. He was accompanied by Solomon Ijauka, Social Media and Audiovisual Content Lead, and Chizoba Precious Okeia, Youth Wing Representative.
The delegation reflected the diversity and representation within the disability community:
- Kenneth Echiche – Male, Visual Impairment
- Solomon Ijauka – Male, Physical Disability
- Chizoba Precious Okeia – Female, Physical Disability
Overall, the delegation comprised three members, including two males and one female, representing one visual impairment and two physical disabilities.
Advancing Inclusive Agricultural Development
During the engagement, the delegation emphasized the growing involvement of young persons with disabilities in agriculture and agribusiness across the country. They highlighted the contributions of youth with disabilities in areas such as:
- Livestock farming
- Poultry production
- Vegetable cultivation
- Small-scale agribusiness ventures
The Youth Wing noted that with the right support systems and inclusive policies, young persons with disabilities can play a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain while achieving sustainable livelihoods.
BOA Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusion
In response, Mr. Ayodeji Oludare Sotinrin commended the delegation for their initiative and vision for inclusive economic development. He reaffirmed the Bank of Agriculture’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities, outlining several key commitments from the institution.
Among the major highlights discussed were:
- Input-Based Financing for Farmers with Disabilities:
BOA will support farmers with disabilities through agricultural input financing—including seedlings, farm supplies, and production resources—rather than direct cash loans. This model is designed to improve accountability and ensure sustainability in agricultural ventures. - Flexible Eligibility Criteria:
The bank emphasized that loan and support requirements will be structured to accommodate the realities faced by persons with disabilities, ensuring greater accessibility to agricultural financing. - Data-Driven Planning:
BOA requested comprehensive data on farmers with disabilities nationwide to support effective planning and enable the bank to tailor its programs to the specific needs of the disability community. - Nationwide Sensitization Campaigns:
To increase awareness and participation, BOA will conduct sensitization campaigns on its agricultural programs, beginning with a pilot initiative in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before expanding across the country. - Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities:
Demonstrating practical commitment to inclusion, the bank pledged to employ three qualified persons with disabilities within the institution.
Strengthening Partnerships for Inclusive Growth
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing appreciation for the dialogue and reaffirming their commitment to building sustainable pathways for the economic empowerment of young persons with disabilities.
