On April 15, we lost not just a colleague, but a quiet force of transformation. Mr Musa Usman, the Hub Manager of the Makoda LGA Farmers’ Hub in Kano State, passed away after a brief illness. His death is a profound loss—for his family, his village of Gawon Bature, and for the entire network of farmers, partners, and agricultural innovators he touched with his unwavering dedication.
I had the privilege of speaking with Mr Usman not long ago. I remember his unmistakable candour, the strength in his voice, and the quiet conviction with which he spoke about his work. I recall him telling me how profoundly the Farmers’ Hub he managed for the past four years had transformed not just his own life, but that of his community. He wasn’t simply doing a job—he was fulfilling a calling.
More Than a Hub Manager
Mr Usman was much more than a Hub Manager. He was many things: a farmer, mentor, community leader, and bridge-builder. As the Mai Unguwa (ward head) of Gawon Bature village, he stood as a pillar of strength—a man whose actions consistently brought progress and hope. Through his leadership, over 5,000 farmers across Makoda and neighbouring states like Jigawa and Katsina gained access to improved agricultural inputs, knowledge, and opportunity. His influence extended beyond borders because it was rooted in a deep purpose.
Strategically located along a trade route that connects to Niger Republic, the Hub Mr Usman led became a vital centre of agricultural exchange. Under his guidance, it evolved far beyond a distribution point. It became a catalyst for change—offering hybrid seeds, agrochemicals, training, and aggregation services to farmers who might otherwise have been left behind. He often said, “This Foundation has done everything for me and my people.” But truly, he did everything for his people—with the Foundation as his partner.
Driving Market Access and Fair Prices
As a trusted aggregator, Mr Usman played a critical role in linking farmers to markets. Year after year, he coordinated the bulk purchase and sale of crops like cowpea, sorghum, tomatoes, peppers, and onions—reducing transport costs, eliminating middlemen, and ensuring farmers earned fairer prices. It wasn’t unusual for his aggregation efforts to move thousands of bags of produce—particularly cowpea—sometimes worth tens of millions of naira. These weren’t just transactions; they were transformations.
Through a partnership the Foundation facilitated with agribusinesses like Olam Farms, he facilitated the delivery of over 500,000 tomato seedlings across several seasons. This work provided him with a sustainable income, expanded his own farming operations, and enabled him to support his children’s education and wellbeing. I remember the pride in his voice when he told me how the Foundation helped him move from small-scale farming to becoming a regional supplier, trainer, and advocate.
From Learner to Leader
For Mr Usman, the Foundation’s impact was deeply personal. He credited the support he received with transforming his knowledge, his livelihood, and his household. He was never content to keep that growth to himself. He trained others, mentored new farmers, and generously shared his knowledge. “Before the Foundation, I only had one farm,” he once told me. “Now, in the dry season alone, I have up to five.”
With time, he became an expert in seedling production, irrigation, farm planning, and post-harvest marketing. He shared this expertise with farmers across Northern Nigeria—from Abuja to Katsina, even reaching farmers in the Niger Republic.
He once told me:
“Before the Foundation, I didn’t know how to use chemicals properly or how to raise hybrid seedlings. But now, I train others. I support my family and neighbours. I’ve even moved my children to schools with better education. This greenhouse changed my life completely.”
This wasn’t just about technical knowledge. It was about empowerment. Through his example, hundreds of farmers realised they could do more than survive—they could lead, teach, and prosper.
Carrying Forward His Legacy
To honour his memory, a delegation from the Foundation visited his family to offer support. But more importantly, we are committed to carrying forward the values he embodied—service, humility, knowledge-sharing, and a relentless dedication to community development through sustainable agriculture.
Mr Musa Usman was a true grassroots change-maker. His life’s work stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when visionary local leadership is supported by opportunity and partnership. He changed lives—beginning with his own—and reminded us all of what’s possible when people are empowered to lead.
We will miss his leadership, his humility, and his vision. But we are determined to continue the work he began—nurturing the fertile ground he cultivated and helping others grow in his footsteps.
May his soul rest in peace. May his seeds of change continue to flourish.