ILORIN, Nigeria — April 23, 2026
Over 1,000 youth and women have been positioned for enterprise opportunities in Nigeria’s livestock sector following a landmark two-day programme convened under the Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme (KWALES) in Ilorin.
The event tagged “Youth Hangout and Women in Livestock Inaugural Meeting” held at the Banquet Hall was delivered as an enterprise development and capacity programme of the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development, convening government, industry, and development stakeholders to accelerate participation and productivity across the livestock value chain.
The Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme (KWALES) is built on a clear vision to develop a new generation of skilled, technology-driven livestock entrepreneurs, while addressing youth unemployment, low productivity, and food insecurity.
Implemented by the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development, the programme is designed to transform livestock from subsistence activity into a structured, profitable enterprise through mentorship, hands-on training, value chain integration, and inclusive participation of youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
KWALES is implemented by the Ministry with technical support from the AdunGreen Foundation, creating a structured pipeline from engagement to enterprise creation
Building the Next Generation of Livestock Entrepreneurs
The first day featured the Youth Hangout, which engaged more than 500 undergraduate participants drawn from tertiary institutions across Kwara State, including the University of Ilorin,
Kwara State University, Kwara State Polytechnic, Thomas Adewunmi University, and Al-Hikmah University.
Participants were exposed to structured mentorship, enterprise development pathways, funding opportunities, and market linkages within the livestock ecosystem.
Central to this engagement is the Campus Livestock Network, an initiative under the Youth in Livestock platform, designed to institutionalize livestock entrepreneurship through student-led clubs across higher institutions in the state.
A major highlight was the engagement of KWALES Ambassadors—young, successful livestock entrepreneurs who shared real-world experiences and practical insights, reinforcing the programme’s focus on learning through enterprise and mentorship.
Advancing Women’s Economic Inclusion in Livestock
The second day marked the formal inauguration of the Women in Livestock platform, drawing another 500 participants and signaling a deliberate expansion of KWALES’ inclusion strategy.
The platform brings together women across all segments of the livestock value chain production, processing, marketing, and services with a focus on strengthening capacity, leadership, and access to economic opportunities.
Stakeholders described the inauguration as a strategic milestone in promoting gender inclusion and enhancing women’s participation in livestock-driven enterprise
Government and Industry Convergence
The programme convened key stakeholders across government and industry, underscoring livestock as a strategic economic sector.
Notable participants included:
The First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, represented by a delegation from her office; Hon Idris Ajimobi,
Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Livestock Development;
Hon. Bola Olukoju, Kwara State Commissioner of Communications; Barrister Richard Mark Mbaram Sprecial Adviser to the Minister for Livestock Development and Consultant to African Development Bank, representing the Minister of Communication;
Dr. Hauwa Nuru, Kwara State Commissioner of Finance;
Leon Gutter, MD- Valentine Chicken; Mr. Ayo Ajisefini, Director, Enterprise Grooming Institute; Hon. Ndanusa Usman Shehu,
Kwara State Commissioner of Youth Development; Leadership of the AdunGreen Foundation; Eng. Owolabi, representing National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA); and
representatives of local governments across Kwara State,
Financial institutions, major food processors, NGOs operating in the food security space and leading feed manufacturers.
Dr. Hauwa Nuru noted:
“Structured initiatives like KWALES align with our economic priorities and will continue to receive institutional support.”
Hon. Ndanusa Usman Shehu, said the initiative reflects the type of intervention needed to transition young people into productive sector
“This is the kind of programme our youth need—one that provides practical pathways into enterprise and economic self-reliance.”
Private sector partners also highlighted collaboration opportunities, while Development partners pledged ongoing support for enterprise development.
From Engagement to Implementation
A major highlight was the transition from engagement to implementation.
The AdunGreen Foundation, represented by Dr. Bola Yusuf and Mr. Tajudeen Olaribigbe, announced immediate rollout of specialized training:
- 100 participants in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production
- 100 participants in apiculture (beekeeping)
KWALES adopts a full value-chain approach, covering livestock production, processing, and agribusiness services, alongside emerging areas such as Black Soldier Fly production, apiculture, hydroponic fodder systems, and other climate-smart innovations. - The programme also integrates support services including veterinary care, feed production, farm management, and market linkages, positioning participants to operate across multiple segments of the livestock economy.
Recognizing Excellence
The programme featured a People’s Choice Awards, recognizing excellence in categories such as Best Livestock Business, Best Personality, Best Youth Leader, and Best Local Government Chairman.
Impact and Outlook
Direct Impact:
- Over 1,000 participants engaged
- Immediate training pipeline for 200 beneficiaries
- Expanded access to mentorship, funding, and markets
Indirect Impact:
- Job creation across livestock value chains
- Improved food and protein supply
- Reduced reliance on imports
- Increased private sector investment
- Strengthened rural economies
Alignment with State and National Development Priorities
The initiative aligns with the development priorities of Governor’s AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, particularly in advancing economic diversification, youth empowerment, food security, and inclusive growth.
It also supports broader national priorities under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially ongoing efforts to modernize the livestock sector, create jobs, and strengthen domestic production.
By positioning livestock as a structured, enterprise-driven sector, KWALES serves as a practical model linking state-level implementation with national economic transformation goals.
A Scalable Model for Transformation
In her closing remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas said:
“KWALES is not just a programme it is a pipeline for developing the next generation of livestock entrepreneurs.”
With a clear implementation pipeline, strong institutional backing, and growing industry alignment, KWALES is transitioning from concept to measurable impact positioning livestock as a modern, scalable enterprise for Nigeria’s future.
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