By Josephine Agbonkhese
In a world where most people choose one path, Abisola Ijalana walks two with remarkable grace. She is the Head Photographer and CEO of M12 Photography, one of Lagos’s thriving creative outfits, and at the same time the founder of M12 Farms, a growing agricultural enterprise committed to providing Nigerians with healthy, hygienic, and fresh food.
Her journey weaves art and agriculture together; a story of passion, discipline, and a deep desire to make a difference.
A graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin, Abisola has always been curious about how things grow, whether it’s an idea, a plant, or a business. After completing her National Youth Service, she knew she wanted to build something of her own. “I’ve always loved taking pictures,” she recalls. “Photography came naturally to me.” What started as a passion project quickly transformed into a professional calling. Today, M12 Photography is recognised for its creativity and professionalism, with Abisola at the helm of a team that captures stories through the lens.
But beneath the surface of her creative success lay another dream waiting to sprout—farming. “I have always loved the idea of agriculture since childhood,” she says. “Food is life, and I’ve always believed that the food we eat should be healthy and hygienic.”
That belief became the seed that grew into M12 Farms, established three years ago. For Abisola, farming is more than a business; it’s a contribution to Nigeria’s economy and an answer to the federal government’s call for youth participation in agriculture. “My venturing into farming is part of my contribution to Nigeria’s economic development,” she explains. “I’m also helping to tackle unemployment through the people I’ve been able to employ on my farms.”
Her farms focus on providing fresh produce, bridging the gap between demand for healthy food and the challenges of local food production. Yet, the road has not been easy. “Like most businesses, agriculture has its hurdles,” she admits. “There are issues with transporting produce from the farm to the point of sale, the perishable nature of goods before they reach the market, and getting reliable, knowledgeable farm workers.”
Despite these obstacles, Abisola has persevered, drawing on her training and experience. She is an alumna of the British Council Creative Enterprise Programme and the WIMBIZ Mentoring Training Programme, both of which have sharpened her entrepreneurial and leadership skills. “Being a woman has never been a limitation,” she says with confidence. “Women have always been part of agriculture. Even in the old days, women went to farms to feed their families and sell their produce. I’ve attended several agricultural trainings and I’m still learning every day.”
Yet, no amount of training could have prepared her for one of the greatest threats facing farmers in Nigeria, insecurity. “Insecurity is a major problem,” Abisola says solemnly. “There have been reports of farmers being attacked or kidnapped, and farmlands being destroyed. Personally, I have had a frightening encounter with gunmen during one of my farm visits.” The experience, though terrifying, did not deter her. Instead, it deepened her determination to keep going and to advocate for better protection for farmers.
Transportation also remains a constant struggle. To manage this, she and her team hire trucks to move products from farm to buyers, and they also rely on off-takers, buyers who commit to purchasing produce under pre-agreed terms. “Off-taking helps us ensure that we have ready buyers before we even start planting,” she explains. “It gives stability and reduces waste.”
For Abisola, the joy of farming lies not just in the harvest but in the process, in seeing things grow, in nurturing life, and in empowering others. “Doing what I’ve always had passion for serves as a source of inspiration,” she says. “From planting to harvesting to sales, I’ve learned so much. Being able to create jobs through my farm is deeply fulfilling.”
Her dual identity, as a photographer and farmer, requires careful time management and a strong support system. “It’s been interesting managing work and family life,” she admits. “Most of my photography assignments are on bookings, so I plan around them. When I’m not doing a photo shoot, I visit my farms. I also receive daily reports from my staff to keep me updated.”
Her career in photography remains a major source of joy. “My going into photography was driven by passion,” she says. “After graduation, I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and photography seemed like the right business. Over the years, it has grown from a startup into a reputable brand. It’s been a rewarding journey.”
Through both her creative and agricultural ventures, Abisola has learned invaluable lessons about business and life. “Passion may lead you into a business, but dedication and resilience are what keep you there,” she reflects. “Challenges will come, operational, financial, or environmental, but they teach you to adapt and grow stronger.”
Looking to the future, she hopes to see a more supportive environment for farmers in Nigeria. “There’s a need for more financial support opportunities,” she says. “Access to funding can help farmers expand production. Training is also crucial, both for newcomers and those already in the business. Government agencies and private organizations should make agricultural training more accessible and affordable. And above all, we need improved security so that farmers can work without fear.”
Abisola also wants to change the perception of agriculture among young people. “I’d love to see more youths embracing farming,” she says. “It’s not outdated or old-fashioned. It’s a vital sector that drives national development. Agriculture can be profitable and impactful if managed well.”
To young entrepreneurs, her advice is both practical and inspiring. “Running a business requires commitment and courage,” she says. “You must understand the business you want to go into, know your market, and understand your customers’ needs. Create products or services that meet those needs, and provide excellent customer service. And never stop learning, continuous training and self-development are essential.”
For someone who captures the beauty of human moments through her camera and cultivates life through the soil, Abisola Ijalana is the definition of balance. Her life’s work is a reminder that creativity and productivity are not opposites, they are twin forces that, when combined, can build a better world.
Through M12 Photography and M12 Farms, she continues to frame and nurture Nigeria’s future, one picture, one plant, one purpose at a time.