Hajia Mariam Guni of Maiduguri, Borno State, may have three odds stacked against her on the journey to becoming a prosperous farmer: she is a widow, she is physically challenged, and she is 70 years old.

MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE — 17 November 2025

Hajia Mariam Guni of Maiduguri, Borno State, may have three odds stacked against her on the journey to becoming a prosperous farmer: she is a widow, she is physically challenged, and she is 70 years old. Yet none of these obstacles have stopped her from tilling the soil, nurturing crops, and sustaining herself through the dignity of farming.

In a region where farming is often labor-intensive and unpredictable, Hajia Mariam rises each day with determination. Her small plot of land has long been her source of livelihood, even as insecurity, harsh weather, and limited resources posed constant challenges. But her resilience has now earned her recognition and support beyond her community.

Today, Hajia Mariam is among the smallholder farmer groups that received assistance from the Federal Government to boost their agricultural productivity. The support ranging from improved seedlings and fertilizers to small-scale farming equipment—aims to empower vulnerable farmers, particularly women, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities.

For Hajia Mariam, the intervention is more than material support; it is validation of her perseverance. “I farm because it keeps me alive,” she shared. “This assistance will help me produce more and take better care of myself.”

Her story reflects the broader efforts to strengthen food security and uplift marginalized farmers across the country. As government initiatives continue to reach rural communities, farmers like Hajia Mariam stand as symbols of courage, hope, and the unyielding spirit of Nigerian agriculture.
Watch the complete report by MUSA Baba Aliyu.