The Kwara State Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to commercialise the livestock sector with the inauguration of the Kwara State Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme.
- +Kwara to commercialise livestock sector
The programme, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming agriculture into a viable business-driven industry, is designed to create wealth, enhance food security, and position the state as a major player in Nigeria’s livestock value chain.
The programme, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming agriculture into a viable business-driven industry, is designed to create wealth, enhance food security, and position the state as a major player in Nigeria’s livestock value chain.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Press Secretary of the Ministry, the State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the initiative is targeted at empowering women and youths to build sustainable livestock enterprises across the state.
Thomas said, “KWALES is a government initiative designed to empower youth and women by creating sustainable livestock businesses.”
She explained that the programme goes beyond theoretical training, focusing instead on equipping beneficiaries with practical skills, mentorship, and access to funding that will enable them to become job creators.
The Commissioner noted that the scheme adopts modern, climate-smart agricultural practices and value-chain development strategies to boost productivity and drive economic growth in the state.
“This initiative focuses on modern, climate-smart agriculture and value-chain development to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth,” she stated.
She further disclosed that the programme is structured to strengthen the capacity of producer groups, particularly among women and youths, through two key components.
“The scheme is built around two major pillars, Women in Livestock and Youth in Livestock, both designed to deepen inclusion and productivity in the sector.
“KWALES focuses on practical skills rather than just training, with the aim of building a commercial and sustainable livestock sector in the state,” she stated.
The commissioner revealed that the project would commence with three core programmes: Black Soldier Fly production, beekeeping for honey production, and small ruminant rearing, all selected for their high economic value and scalability.
Highlighting the market potential, she disclosed that the state government has secured partnerships with off-takers to ensure steady demand for livestock products.
She added, “We have secured off-takers who are ready to take up to 400,000 goats and sheep daily, as well as another partner that will off-take 100 swine daily.”
Thomas assured that the government is already working to build the production capacity required to meet these demands, with a strong focus on empowering women and youths to seize the opportunities.
She explained, “We are working round the clock to strengthen producers’ capacity, especially among women and youths, to meet these daily demands.
“The government will shoulder capacity development by providing logistics and necessary support to ensure beneficiaries receive the required training.”
On financing, the Commissioner disclosed that strategic partnerships have been secured with financial institutions to make loans accessible to participants at favourable rates.
“We have partnered with FCMB and Jaiz Bank to provide access to finance for beneficiaries at single-digit interest rates,” she noted.
In his remarks, the representative of AdunGreen Foundation, Olaribigbe Tajudeen, described the initiative as a practical model for sustainable, youth-driven livestock development, particularly with its adoption of innovative solutions.
“The introduction of Black Soldier Fly as a flagship feature offers a climate-smart approach that converts organic waste into affordable, high-quality protein feeds for livestock,” he said.
“This innovation reduces feed costs, promotes large-scale waste recycling, and strengthens local feed production,” he added.
In their separate goodwill messages, stakeholders, including the Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Mr Richard Mark Mbaram; Director General of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, Mr Jafar Abubakar Umar; and agribusiness leaders such as Dr Adefunke Afolabi, commended the initiative.
They described KWALES as a strategic platform for empowering young people and nurturing enterprise-driven leaders capable of strengthening Kwara State’s agricultural and livestock value chains.
