KWARA GOVT PARTNERS CALA TO EMPOWER WOMEN, PROMOTE SOYA BEANS VALUE CHAIN
The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) and other key partners, have successfully implemented a transformative agricultural initiative aimed at enhancing the value chain of soya beans production, particularly through the promotion of Tofu (popularly known as Beske). The programme is part of the Kwara State Agricultural Development Project (KWADP) which is in alignment with the agenda of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to boost agriculture, empower women and youths, and improve food production across the State.
The initiative, celebrated during the "Business Meeting to Nutritious Soya (Tofu)" event, trained clusters of women on value addition, marketing, and hygienic packaging of soy-based products. Through the training, participants produced tofu with a remarkable shelf life of six months, far exceeding the usual three-day shelf period, hereby improving export potentials and quality standards.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended CALA and its partners for their commitment to agricultural development. She highlighted the programme’s success in empowering women to engage in tofu production as a sustainable business venture, contributing to both food security and economic development.
Mrs Thomas stated that Kwara State is committed to the wellbeing of women, youths, and farmers, with the focus on increasing agricultural productivity and unlocking value chain opportunities for key crops like soya beans. Tofu, being highly nutritious, not only supports healthy living but also presents a viable economic opportunity for entrepreneurmen.
She further emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving agricultural growth, encouraging more public-private partnerships to advance Kwara State’s agricultural sector in the coming year. Mrs. Thomas also announced that the State will launch monthly capacity development programmes for farmers in 2025 to equip them with practical skills for improved productivity.
The Managing Director of KWADP, Dr. Mrs. Khadijat Ahmed, underscored the significance of training programmes as a cornerstone of KWADP's objectives. She noted that Soy Tofu (Beske) contains higher protein content compared to meat and fish, making it a valuable addition to diets and a source of economic empowerment for women.
Dr. Mrs. Bamishaiye, representing CALA, praised Kwara State for its readiness to implement such initiatives and noted the State’s advantage as one of Nigeria’s major producers of soya beans. She emphasized that Soy Tofu provides a healthy, protein-rich alternative to meat, suitable for all demographics, including vegetarians.
The highlight of the event was the inspection of the exhibition stand by the Commissioner, where a variety of items and products made from nutritious soy tofu were displayed. She was accompanied by Directors from the Ministry of Agriculture alongside Directors from the Kwara Agricultural Development Project (KWADP).
The event exemplified the Kwara State Government’s unwavering support for innovative agricultural initiatives, capacity building, and partnerships that prioritize food security and economic prosperity. As Kwara continues to harness its agricultural potentials, programmes like this are a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and advancing agricultural value chains.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Olugbon Abdullateef, Director Veterinary Services; Mr. Aliu Abubakar, Representative of the Director Agricultural Services; Mr. Mayaki Madu, Director Personnel and Finance; Mrs. Toyin Ajayi, Director Fisheries; Alh. Muhammed Yunus Oladimeji, Representative of Director Livestock; Engr. Hamidu Sani Olorin, Director Engineering Services; Mr. Idris Jimoh, Director PRS; Engr. (Dr.) Busari Toyin, FADAMA Coordinator; Mr. Afolabi Olaitan, Director Extension Services; Mr. Abdulsalam Jamiu, Director Physical Infrastructure; Chief Oloruntoba Ayanda, Director Technical Services; Mrs. Elemosho Rafat, Director Women-in-Agriculture; Mrs. Saadat Abdulganiyu, Financial Controller; Mr. Aiyelabegan Taiye Aliu, Director Admin & Training; Mrs. Taiwo Dorcas, Director Planning Monitoring and Evaluation; Mr. Adebayo Lawal, Representative of SMEDAN.
Also in attendance were representatives of Women-in-Agriculture (WIA), Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), Society of Female Agricultural Professionals of Nigeria (SOFAN), Smallholder Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON), National Women in Agriculture Progressive Development Initiative (NWAPDI), Price water house Coopers (PWC) and others.
Omotola Ashaolu
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
08109057777
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