The Farmer’s Son Who Dreamed Big: Mohammed Shettima’s Extraordinary Journey to Agricultural Stardom with Hayerma Farms

Let me tell you the remarkable story of Mohammed Aminu Shettima, a visionary entrepreneur and politician from Bauchi, Nigeria, whose unwavering commitment to agriculture and community empowerment gave rise to Hayerma Farms. Born into a family that cherished hard work, resilience, and service, Mohammed’s upbringing was deeply shaped by his parents’ influence. His father, a multifaceted figure in agriculture, real estate, and public service, ran farms that Mohammed saw as more than just fields—they were engines of economic growth, pillars of food security, and models of sustainable development. Watching the ripple effect of those farms on their community, from providing livelihoods to fostering unity, ignited a passion in Mohammed that would define his life’s work. This early exposure planted the seeds for Hayerma Farms, a venture that would blend innovation, sustainability, and community upliftment.

The name Hayerma Farms holds profound meaning, chosen as a heartfelt tribute to Mohammed’s mother, Hadiza Yerima. She was his rock, a woman whose compassion, tireless work ethic, and dedication to community service shaped Mohammed’s character and aspirations. By naming the farm after her, he sought to honor the values she instilled in him, ensuring they would guide every aspect of the business. Hayerma Farms stands as a beacon of excellence, producing high-quality agricultural products while championing environmental stewardship and fostering strong community ties. It’s a living reflection of the gratitude Mohammed holds for his parents’ legacy, woven into the fabric of the farm’s mission to serve and inspire.

Mohammed’s professional journey is a tapestry of experiences that have honed his leadership and fueled the growth of Hayerma Farms. As an entrepreneur and activist, he immersed himself in community initiatives, developing exceptional skills in communication, strategic planning, and coalition-building. Whether navigating complex systems or driving projects for the greater good, Mohammed learned to lead with purpose and adaptability. These skills proved invaluable when he founded Hayerma Farms, enabling him to assemble a dedicated team, make informed decisions, and steer the business toward innovation. His formal education in business, economics, and agriculture provided a strong foundation, but it was the hands-on lessons from his father’s farms that truly shaped his approach. Working the land, collaborating with fellow farmers, and engaging with industry experts and stakeholders gave Mohammed a practical, nuanced understanding of agriculture’s challenges and opportunities, equipping him to thrive in its ever-evolving landscape.

Mohammed’s passion for agriculture was born in the fields of his father’s farms, where he witnessed the transformative power of farming firsthand. Those early experiences left an indelible mark, showing him how agriculture could nourish communities, create jobs, and drive economic progress. Today, his drive comes from a deep desire to bolster food security, empower local farmers, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment while improving livelihoods. To keep Hayerma Farms at the forefront of innovation, Mohammed actively seeks out new knowledge, engaging with industry leaders, attending workshops, and adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance farming methods and product quality. His commitment to continuous learning ensures the farm remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of both the land and its people.

Hayerma Farms is built on a foundation of core values: integrity, innovation, and community. These principles guide every decision, from prioritizing soil health and efficient water use to fostering biodiversity and maintaining transparent, customer-focused interactions. Mohammed ensures these values are more than just words by regularly evaluating the farm’s operations to align with its mission. For example, sustainable practices like minimizing environmental impact and using eco-friendly techniques are non-negotiable, while customer relationships are nurtured through responsiveness and a commitment to delivering exceptional products. This dedication to quality and trust has earned Hayerma Farms a reputation for reliability and excellence.

What sets Hayerma Farms apart in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape is Mohammed’s holistic approach. His unwavering focus on sustainability, deep community engagement, and customer-centric ethos create a unique edge. By listening to customer feedback, innovating farming practices, and fostering strong community ties, Mohammed ensures the farm stands out as a leader. Yet, the journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Like many Nigerian farmers, Mohammed has grappled with challenges such as volatile market prices, security concerns, and environmental pressures. His response has been one of resilience: diversifying crops and operations, investing in sustainable techniques, and building partnerships with farmers, stakeholders, and government agencies. These experiences have taught him the critical importance of adaptability, strategic foresight, and collaboration, lessons that have strengthened Hayerma Farms and positioned it for long-term success.

Mohammed’s vision for Hayerma Farms is bold and far-reaching. He dreams of expanding operations to boost productivity, diversifying product offerings, and establishing the farm as a leading agricultural brand across Nigeria. To achieve this, he plans to invest in modern farming technologies, forge strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, and develop a robust marketing strategy to reach new markets. Community engagement is central to his approach, with initiatives like social media campaigns, farm tours, and local events fostering trust and building a loyal customer base. One of Mohammed’s proudest moments was the 2025 dry season rice harvest, a landmark achievement that showcased the potential of sustainable farming. This success not only cemented Hayerma Farms’ reputation as a trusted supplier but also attracted new customers, marking a turning point in the farm’s growth.

Looking to the future, Mohammed is brimming with ideas. He’s exploring the introduction of new crop varieties and expanding livestock production to diversify the farm’s portfolio. Additionally, he’s planning a community outreach program to educate local farmers on sustainable practices, empowering them to thrive while strengthening the region’s agricultural ecosystem. These initiatives reflect his commitment to both innovation and community development, ensuring Hayerma Farms remains a force for positive change.

Beyond agriculture, Mohammed’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to other ventures that complement his work with Hayerma Farms. Through Hayerma Properties and Investment, he applies his expertise to drive growth in Nigeria’s real estate sector, leveraging insights from development and investment to create new opportunities. By the end of 2025, he plans to launch a media production company, a platform to share compelling stories, promote sustainable practices, and amplify the impact of Hayerma Farms and other initiatives. These ventures enrich his agricultural work, fostering cross-learning and innovation that strengthen his mission.

To aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs, Mohammed offers timeless advice: start small, prioritize quality, and stay true to your values while embracing innovation. He stresses the importance of building a strong network of mentors, peers, and customers, whose support and guidance can make all the difference. Mohammed Aminu Shettima’s journey with Hayerma Farms is a powerful testament to what’s possible when passion, resilience, and a commitment to community converge. Through his leadership, he’s not only cultivating crops but also sowing the seeds for a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.