Barely weeks after renewed national conversations on livestock sector reform, stakeholders converged at the Innovation in Ilorin on February 10, 2026, as Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, joined state officials, industry actors, development partners, women, students, Corp members and youth entrepreneurs at the Kwara Livestock Transformation Forum, where the KWALES programme emerged as a central pillar of sub-national implementation efforts.
The forum formed part of ongoing engagements aligned with Nigeria’s livestock reform agenda and the broader objectives of the National Livestock Transformation Plan, focusing on productivity, youth inclusion, private sector participation, and coordinated value-chain development.
Observers note that Kwara State’s steady policy momentum reflects the agricultural transformation priorities of His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose administration continues to position livestock as a strategic driver of economic diversification, job creation, and food security.
Commissioner Positions KWALES as Youth Empowerment Vehicle
Speaking at the forum, the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, underscored the role of Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme (KWALES) in translating policy into tangible opportunities for young people, women and people living with disabilities across the livestock value chain.
“There is no reason for Nigerian students to graduate unemployed.
Livestock is positioned to achieve that in Kwara. This is why this high-level engagement is organised to showcase what our youths and women have achieved,” she said.
According to her, the initiative is deliberately structured to shift the narrative of the livestock sector from conflict to production, aged approach to innovation, and subsistence to enterprise development.
Quoting the Minister’s broader vision, she added:> “We are going to turn machine guns into milking machines and armoured tanks into tractors, ensuring that youth are fully engaged in livestock and agribusiness.”
She noted that KWALES continues to serve as a practical implementation platform for building skills, supporting enterprises, and strengthening value-chain integration in line with national reform objectives.
Minister Reaffirms Federal Policy Commitment
In his address, Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to accelerate policies aimed at improving livestock production, reducing insecurity, and strengthening economic prosperity.
He observed that despite Nigeria’s vast livestock potential, the country had historically struggled to maximise the sector’s benefits due to weak coordination until the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development in 2024 under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, ongoing reforms are designed to significantly increase livestock contribution to the national economy, including initiatives such as the establishment of National Livestock Centres and improved value-chain coordination to attract investment and boost productivity.
Showcasing KWALES as a Flagship State Programme
A major highlight of the forum was the progress recorded under KWALES, widely regarded as a flagship programme demonstrating how sub-national initiatives can operationalise national livestock policy through structured training, enterprise development, and inclusive participation.
The programme continues to provide pathways for youth, women, and agripreneurs to build sustainable businesses across multiple segments of the livestock ecosystem, reinforcing Kwara State’s strategy of leveraging agriculture for employment generation and economic growth.
Youth Change Makers Share Enterprise Journeys
The forum also featured testimonials from emerging entrepreneurs within the Kwara livestock ecosystem, providing real-world insight into the impact of targeted support and value-chain opportunities.
Mr. Anuoluwapo, CEO of Mercysweet Foods; Mrs Kafayat, CEO of JustOfada Yoghurt; and Dr. Ibrahim, CEO of Sultanan Integrated Farms shared how they built their businesses from modest beginnings and are now preparing for expansion.
Their experiences highlighted the transformative potential of coordinated policy support, skills development, and market access.
Symbolic Gesture Reflects Partnership
In a symbolic moment reflecting collaboration within the livestock reform ecosystem, the Secretary Mr. Tajudeen Olaribigbe, and Prof. Hameed Badmus, One of the Director of AdunGreen Foundation, the Ministry’s Technical Partner for KWALES, presented a KWALES-branded shirt to the Honourable Minister, underscoring shared commitment to advancing youth empowerment and sector transformation.
The Foundation continues to support programme coordination, technical input, and knowledge exchange under KWALES, working alongside government institutions and private sector actors.
Sustaining Momentum for Livestock Transformation
Stakeholders at the forum emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among federal and state governments, private investors, development organisations, and producer groups to fully realise the economic promise of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Analysts say the alignment between national policy direction and practical state-level programmes like KWALES demonstrates how coordinated efforts can accelerate sector modernisation while expanding opportunities for young people.
Looking Ahead
As discussions concluded, participants expressed optimism that continued policy consistency, investment, and partnership will deepen livestock sector transformation in Kwara State and beyond.
With sustained leadership from the state government and growing engagement across the value chain, initiatives like KWALES are expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening productivity, enhancing food security, and creating sustainable livelihoods.
