Sterling Bank Plc showcased its commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agriculture sector by awarding N25 million in grants to five exceptional innovators at the Agriculture Summit Africa AgroPitch.
Green Republic Farms Limited, a women-led social enterprise headed by Baliqees Salaudeen, clinched the top spot and received a N5 million grant along with a fully funded scholarship to the Lagos Business School (LBS). Eden-Acres Integrates Farm, promoted by Mrs. Ozioma Onwordi, secured the second position, followed by Kernelinc Resources Limited led by Amajuoyi Ikechukwu in third place. Duketrah Fisheries, under Bidemi Olorunkooba, claimed the fourth spot, while OG Capital, owned by Godwin Adoga, secured the fifth position, with each receiving N5 million in grants.
Dr. Shola Bikanye, Group Head of Agric and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank, emphasized agriculture’s pivotal role within the bank’s strategic focus on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation (HEART). Bikanye highlighted the significance of the Agriculture Summit Africa, an event that Sterling Bank views as integral in driving impactful solutions and fostering stakeholder collaboration within the agricultural sector.
The Agriculture Summit Africa, themed ‘Empowering Innovations: A Confluence of Capital, Vision, and Agribusiness Enterprise,’ aligns with Sterling Bank’s belief that the agricultural sector, engaging a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, holds the potential to lead the nation’s prosperity.
Meanwhile, Sterling Bank received multiple accolades at the Great Place to Work (GPTW) Institute Awards, securing recognition as the Overall Best Workplace in Nigeria’s large corporate category for 2023. Asue Ighodalo, Chairman of Sterling Bank, emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for consistent economic growth, attributing the bank’s success to its people-centric approach and commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Ighodalo highlighted the role of passionate and efficient individuals in driving organizational success, emphasizing the significance of the workforce as the core essence of Sterling Bank’s vibrancy and achievements.
