The Kwara State Government has trained 50 Nigerians in modern beekeeping as part of efforts to expand livestock entrepreneurship and create new income opportunities for residents across the state.
The training, organised through the Ministry of Livestock Development, was designed to support the recently launched Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme and expose participants to practical skills in apiculture, also known as beekeeping.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Press Secretary of the ministry, Omolara Adeleye, the one-day intensive programme focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge needed to build sustainable businesses around honey production and related activities within the livestock value chain.
Speaking during the training, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Yahaya Mohammed, described beekeeping as an important agricultural venture with strong economic potential for both individuals and the state.
She said the initiative was aimed at strengthening food security, creating jobs and encouraging residents to take advantage of emerging opportunities in livestock commercialisation.
“The one-day intensive training on beekeeping is aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills in apiculture as a sustainable agricultural venture,” the commissioner said.
Thomas explained that the training aligns with the ministry’s broader plan to promote livestock production through innovative and commercially viable practices.
She noted that participants included students enrolled under the Kwara State Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme as well as selected women executives from the Kwara Women in Livestock Value Chain Association.
According to her, the participation of youths and women reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity and economic empowerment within the livestock sector.
“The initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader agenda to promote livestock production, create employment, and empower residents through innovative livestock practices,” she added.
The Adungreen Partner, Mr Tajudeen Olaribigbe, disclosed that the beneficiaries consisted of 20 women and 30 youths, including students and other participants interested in agriculture and agribusiness.
He said the training was designed to provide participants with hands-on experience and deeper understanding of modern beekeeping techniques.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the practical demonstration session where trainees were exposed to real-life beekeeping processes involving the use of bee hives, beeswax and other essential materials used in honey production.
The sessions were facilitated by professionals in the field, including Sheu Taofeeq Abiodun, Isha Habeeb and Akinboye Anuoluwapo, who trained participants on hive management, honey harvesting, market opportunities and modern apiculture methods.
Also speaking, Dr Ayo Ajisefini of EGI commended the ministry for organising the programme, noting that beekeeping remains one of Nigeria’s underutilised agricultural opportunities despite its strong potential for income generation and exports.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of the ministry, Dr Idiat Aminu, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training to build sustainable ventures capable of contributing to economic growth in Kwara State.
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