In a vibrant display of optimism and commitment to livestock development, the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development recently launched its KWALES (Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme) in Ilorin. At the heart of this initiative lies an empowering message: the ambition to train 50,000 youth, women, and individuals living with disabilities through the newly formed Youth and Women in Livestock Clubs.
The event, hosted in the Ministry’s Conference Room, was chaired by the State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Ayobola Thomas. Honourable Commissioner for Youth, her hallowed team from the ministry of livestock led by the permanent secretary and the directors were in attendance. Her passion for changing lives was palpable as she addressed attendees, sharing powerful insights into the purpose behind the Clubs. “Today, we are not just launching the clubs; we are creating a worthy platform for empowering youth, women, and people living with disabilities within the livestock value chain,” she stated with enthusiasm.
Hon. Thomas emphasized that this initiative is a “visionary stride towards building a sustainable, inclusive, and youth/women driven livestock sector in Kwara State.” Her words resonated with promise, igniting a hopeful fervour amongst the attendees. The need for such empowerment couldn’t be more timely; Kwara State’s agricultural landscape is ripe for transformation, and the KWALES Programme is poised to be the catalyst for change.
As the Commissioner spoke, the event became a dialogue between past experiences and future possibilities. Attendees, young people, women, and advocates for people with disabilities listened intently, envisioning themselves as the architects of a robust livestock sector that welcomes everyone to the table. “This initiative is far more than just a program; it is a bold statement that the Kwara State Government, under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is passionate about livestock development,” Worth noting is the emphasis on inclusivity.
The Permanent Secretary in his remarks noted that such initiatives does not only aim to teach essential skills but also to cultivate leadership, resilience, and entrepreneurship among participants, laying the groundwork for economic stability and self-sufficiency.
By ensuring that all members of society can participate, the KWALES Programme addresses the disparities often found in agricultural practices.
In a beautifully orchestrated moment, Hon. Thomas inaugurated the leadership of the Women in Livestock Club headed by Mrs Oluwatoyin Florence Ajayi. In her acceptance speech, she thanked the commissioner for her foresight, her passion for livestock development and share their aspirations to work with the ministry in achieveing the aims and objectives of the club; the speech sparkled with enthusiasm and hope.
The excitement in the room was visibly tangible when the commissioner appointed Dr Adiat Omolola Aminu as the Ministry’s Adviser to the club. She shared the thoughts and dreams of cultivating livestock, creating sustainable businesses, and empowering their communities.
Adding to the spirit of the occasion, the Commissioner of Youth, Hon. Ndanusa Usman, also expressed his support for the initiative. He emphasized, “This is a laudable program designed to empower youth in Kwara State and create striving enterprises and leaders who will make Kwara an agricultural hub for the nation and Africa at large.” Together, these dynamic leaders underscored the state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant agricultural landscape.
The KWALES Programme promises to cover essential areas of the livestock value chain, including Farm Management, Livestock Feed Production and Nutrition, Health and Veterinary Services, Breeding and Genetics, Transportation and Logistics, as well as Production, Processing, and Value Addition. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants gain knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the industry.
The event also highlighted the significant collaboration of AdunGreen Foundation, which serves as the technical partner for the KWALES Programme. Their expertise will help ensure that the training provided is rooted in best practices and current trends in livestock management.
The presence of representatives from esteemed institutions like University of Ilorin, Kwara State University (KWASU), Al-Hikmah University, others include Kwara State Polytechnic, Landmark University, and Thomas Adewunmi University added gravitas to the launch. These institutions bring academic rigor to the initiative and will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders.
In the same veins, the coordinators for each of the tertiary institutions within the state were also inaugurated and they’re mandate to constitutes other members of their executive committee for each of the institutions. Dr. Olugbon was also appointed as the Ministry’s Advisor to the Student Livestock Club.
By harnessing the energy and creativity of youth and women, the Kwara State government is setting a standard for agricultural initiatives across Nigeria.
A key feature of the Youth in Livestock Club is the “Earn-as-You-Learn” model, which is particularly beneficial for students seeking practical experience while acquiring knowledge. This innovative approach enables participants to gain hands-on training while also earning an income, thereby encouraging them to become financially independent and entrepreneurial during the course of their studies.
As the event progressed, a palpable excitement filled the air, with participants eager to engage in the training modules that the KWALES Programme will offer. The blend of youth energy and expert guidance promises to foster not just individual success but a collective leap towards making Kwara State a beacon of agricultural excellence.
As attendees left the launch, their hearts brimmed with hope and ambition. With the foundations laid today, the future of livestock development in Kwara is promising. The KWALES Programme is more than an initiative; it’s a movement poised to transform lives and establish Kwara as a thriving agricultural hub.
The journey has begun, and together, as community members, educators, and leaders, we look forward to watching these seeds of empowerment grow into a flourishing, sustainable agricultural landscape for generations to come.
