ILORIN, Nigeria — May 5, 2026
The Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme (KWALES) has deepened its commitment to enterprise-driven livestock development with the successful launch of an Apiculture Enterprise Development Bootcamp that trained and supported 52 participants with beehives in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The training, held at the ADP Multipurpose Hall, was organized under the Auspices of the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development with technical support from the AdunGreen Foundation as part of ongoing efforts to promote enterprise creation, youth empowerment, and value-chain expansion within the livestock sector.
The bootcamp featured 52 trainees and three expert trainers, combining theoretical sessions with practical demonstrations in modern apiculture and honey enterprise development. Participants were also supported with beehives to facilitate immediate transition from training to production.
Declaring the training open, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development, Mal. Muhammad Yahaya, who represented the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at equipping participants with practical skills and sustainable enterprise opportunities within the livestock value chain.
In his welcome address, the Secretary of the AdunGreen Foundation, Mr. Tajudeen Olaribigbe, highlighted the importance of apiculture as an emerging enterprise opportunity capable of generating sustainable income and supporting food systems.
He assured participants that the programme extends beyond classroom training, revealing that provisions had already been made for hive placement on designated farms, alongside structured market access and offtaker arrangements for honey and related products.
According to him:
“The goal is not just to train participants, but to help them transition into profitable enterprise through practical support, production structure, and market opportunities.”
Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator of Youth-in-Livestock, represented by Dr. Idiat, encouraged participants to focus on product differentiation, quality improvement, research, and biosecurity practices capable of improving productivity and competitiveness within the apiculture industry.
The Director of the Enterprise Grooming Institute, Mr. Ayo Ajisefini, emphasized the importance of discipline, readiness, and enterprise mindset in building sustainable businesses.
The technical sessions were facilitated by seasoned apiculture experts, including Mr. Habeeb Issa, CEO of Ambrosia Honey Farms; Mr. Shehu Taofeeq, CEO of Annoor Honey; and Mr. Anuoluwapo Akinboye, CEO of Mercy Sweet, who exposed participants to the theoretical foundations of beekeeping, the economic opportunities embedded within apiculture, types of hives, and the broad range of products derivable from bee farming.”
The practical sessions guided participants through the biology of bees, hive management techniques, and modern apiculture practices, with trainees describing the sessions as highly engaging and insightful.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, while the President of Women-in-Livestock under KWALES, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Florence Ajayi, delivered the vote of thanks.
Stakeholders described the bootcamp as another important milestone in the implementation of KWALES’ broader vision of developing a new generation of skilled, technology-driven livestock entrepreneurs across Kwara State.
The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to strengthen economic diversification, youth empowerment, food security, and enterprise development. It also complements national efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to modernize Nigeria’s livestock sector and expand sustainable economic opportunities.
With growing emphasis on practical training, enterprise incubation, and market-oriented support systems, KWALES continues to position livestock development as a scalable pathway for job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
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