Food security: Kwara women empowered through leadership training in agriculture
The Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project has launched a transformative leadership and capacity-building training for women, aimed at enhancing their agricultural productivity and fostering significant change within their communities.
Held today at the Ilorin Innovation Hub on Ahmadu Bello Way, the training gathered women from five local government areas involved in the project: Baruteen, Kaiama, Ifelodun, Asa, and Moro.
The event was themed “Leadership Academy and Capacity-Building Training for Women.”
Prof. Jubril Saba Mama, Secretary to the State Government, spoke at the occasion, expressing his appreciation for the participants’ enthusiasm. Represented by Mrs.
Lawal Ahmad Bilikis, he stated, “If the participants embrace the project, it will boost productivity in their farm produce.”
He emphasized that the SAPZ Project aims to revolutionize the agro-industrial landscape by creating an enabling environment for processing and adding value to lives.
Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the Commissioner for Livestock Development and Chairperson of the State Technical Committee for the Kwara SAPZ, applauded the initiative as a unique opportunity for Kwarans.
“Women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, yet they are often underrepresented in leadership roles and decision-making forums,” she lamented. She stressed that the training is a clear effort by the state government to change the narrative around women’s participation in leadership.
Addressing the participants, Honourable Saadat Modibo Kawu, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, noted the timeliness of the training, stating,
“Women’s voices can refuse any suppression only if they are sensitized, enlightened, and re-oriented.” She encouraged attendees to aspire for the peak and utilize the training as a source of courage to effect change in society.
Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, the State Project Coordinator, elaborated on the SAPZ Project’s goal to elevate agriculture beyond subsistence levels.
He explained, “The project prioritizes women and youth participation, equipping women with leadership training to ensure their voices are heard and to overcome any gender impediments.”
Resource persons for the training, including Bar. Funke Balogun from the Ministry of Justice and Hajia Nimat Oluwatoyin Labaika, Executive Director of Fulfilling Dreams Foundation, encouraged participants to embrace attitudinal change to combat stereotypes.
In a roundtable session, experts like Prof. Dupe Ogunbosoye and Dr. (Mrs.) Saadat Yetunde Yusuf discussed strategies for strengthening women’s agribusiness skills through mentorship.
Participants expressed their gratitude towards the state government and reaffirmed their commitment to applying the skills learned to enhance productivity in their agricultural efforts. The event also included representatives from local schools, showcasing community support for this empowering initiative.
