The Kwara State Government has trained 50 youths and women in modern beekeeping as part of its drive to expand the state’s livestock economy and create new income streams for residents.

The programme, organised by the Ministry of Livestock Development under the Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme, introduced participants to apiculture as a sustainable agricultural venture with strong commercial potential.

Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Yahaya Mohammed, said the one-day intensive training was designed to equip participants with practical skills in hive management, honey production and value addition.

She described beekeeping as a viable income-generating activity capable of strengthening the livestock value chain, improving food security and supporting job creation across the state. The initiative, she added, aligns with the ministry’s broader agenda to promote livestock production, empower residents and encourage innovative practices in animal-based enterprises.

The 50 beneficiaries comprised students enrolled in the Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme and selected women leaders from the Kwara Women in Livestock Value Chain Association, reflecting the government’s focus on youth inclusion and women’s economic participation.

Thomas reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining similar capacity-building programmes to deepen commercialization within the livestock sector and open up new agribusiness opportunities.

A partner from Adungreen, Tajudeen Olaribigbe, explained that the training was structured to give participants hands-on exposure to modern apiculture, moving beyond theory to real-life field practice.

In a goodwill message, Dr Ayo Ajisefini of EGI praised the ministry for spotlighting beekeeping, noting that honey and other hive products can generate significant revenue if properly developed and linked to markets.

Advisor to Kwara Women in Livestock and Chief Veterinary Officer of the ministry, Dr Idiat Aminu, urged trainees to convert the knowledge gained into sustainable ventures, stressing that small-scale beekeeping can complement other livestock activities and diversify household incomes.

A key highlight of the programme was an extensive practical session where participants handled bee hives, beeswax and related equipment under close supervision. Facilitators, including Sheu Taofeeq Abiodun, Isha Habeeb and Akinboye Anuoluwapo, guided them through hive setup, colony management, safe honey harvesting and basic marketing strategies.

Participants described the training as timely, saying it opened new pathways for entrepreneurship in a field long regarded as underutilised in Nigeria despite its export and income potential.