Oxygen X promotes financial inclusion via backyard farming

Oxygen X Finance Company has launched a sustainable backyard farming initiative aimed at transforming the lives of women in underserved communities in a strategic move to bridge the gap between digital lending and grassroots economic empowerment.

The programme, launched in partnership with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, specifically targets women in the Agege area of Lagos State. By integrating agricultural support with financial literacy, the subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc is redefining the role of a digital lender in the Nigerian ecosystem.

The initiative, timed to coincide with International Women’s Month, provides beneficiaries with a comprehensive “business-in-a-box” poultry kit. This includes poultry cages, point-of-lay chicks, feeders, and essential medical supplies such as antibiotics and multivitamins.

Beyond the physical assets, the programme emphasises long-term viability through rigorous training. Participants are being equipped with the tools to manage credit responsibly and scale their small-scale poultry ventures into profitable businesses.

The leadership at Oxygen X maintains that the initiative is a core component of their mission to move Africans to their “next level”.

The Brand Manager and Acting Head of Marketing at Oxygen X, Emmanuella Awogu, said: “We believe financial inclusion goes beyond access to credit. By combining business tools with financial education, we are enabling women to build sustainable livelihoods and strengthen their communities.”

The partnership with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative ensures that the impact is monitored and sustained over time.

Our approach blends financial innovation with sustainability, ensuring that every loan supports long-term progress for customers, communities, and the economy,” the company shared in a statement regarding their customer-first philosophy.

“Oxygen X is built to redefine lending across the Access ecosystem by delivering financial solutions designed to help individuals and businesses thrive,” the organisation added, highlighting its role within the larger Access Holdings Plc framework.

Oxygen X continues to position itself as a “digital-first” consumer lending business, yet this move into the poultry sector in Agege demonstrates a commitment to “boots-on-the-ground” impact. By focusing on women, who are often the backbone of community economies, Oxygen X is tackling poverty through the lens of entrepreneurship rather than just traditional debt.

As the programme progresses, Oxygen X plans to continue monitoring the beneficiaries, ensuring that the transition from backyard farming to financial independence is seamless and supported by the platform’s advanced risk technology and credit products.