Kwara Poly concludes training for 700 WATEA beneficiaries

Kwara State Polytechnic on Wednesday held the closing ceremony and open day programme for its month long training of Women in Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeship in Nigeria (WATEA-Nigeria) initiative.

The project implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan(IITA) was funded by French government.

No fewer than 700 beneficiaries, with 560 of them being women were trained in modern Agricultural practice and technical education geared towards self reliance and economic productivity.

Speaking at the twin-packed event which was held at the Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal Auditorium, the Rector of Kwara Poly, Engr. Abdul Jimoh described the WATEA project,which was launched in November 2024 at the institution as a game changer.

While noting that event was anchored on showcasing the achievements of WATEA project, he stated the initiative has opened a new vista for the institution in transforming its Agricultural and entrepreneurship training, despite joining the project late as one of the implementing platforms.

He disclosed that the institution would went on to augment the proceeds from the sales of chicks which were donated for training of the beneficiaries, to start its own poultry business which now produces 300 broilers every week.

“From the products of the training also, we have commenced a green house farming, and the first set of fresh pepper was transplanted few days ago to the green house” he added.

The Rector also revealed some of the facilities donated through WATEA has also created opportunities for the institution to begin new academic programmes.

“It was not in the plan to start Agro business department, but after showing the accreditation board some of the facilities that we have, they graciously approved that we start department of Agro business for Higher National Diploma(HND)”

“During the accreditation, they also approved crop production programme for the HND after revealing our plans to process everything we harvest on our commercial farm and sell it to generate more revenue for the school.

He further revealed that the institution is planning to expand its garden, which is now named after WATEA to serve as medium where the food technology department will be charged of producing what the Polytechnic community will be consumming.

“We will be growing tomato, package it and call it kwara Poly tomato.We will also process vegetable plants and preserve it for local and international market in the future” he added.

The Rector lauded the Kwara State government for providing enabling environment for the institution to implement new initiatives.

In her own remarks,the Regional Agriculture counsellor of Benin, Cameroon, Ghana,Nigeria, Nigeria and Togo from French Ministry of Europe and foreign affairs, Dr. Sonia Darracq, commended Kwara Poly for its dedication to the project.

She noted that despite joining the project a year after others had joined, “the speed, energy and excellence with which Kwara State Polytechnic have implemented the programme are really impressive”

She stated that WATEA is a clear expression of the “belief that the future of Agriculture lies on hands-on, practical and locally relevant education and not by theory.

She said the initiative offered skills needed in the real world, with collaboration between institutions farmers, businesses and communities critical to its survival.

“We have seen young women and men gain vital experience in livestock, crop production, crop processing and Agricultural business through this initiative and this has boost their confidence, expand their horizon and
strengthen their sense of purpose.

“The success of this project is also due to the dedication of our implementing partner, IITA for their expertise and tireless efforts” She added.

She expressed her belief that knowledge gained from the project will shape the lives of the beneficiaries and the future of Nigeria for better.

Also speaking, the South-West Coordinator of the WATEA project, Mr. Emmanuel Onasanya said that the beneficiaries were put through series of training, including a theory and practical lessons and apprenticeship attachment at Small medium enterprises(SMEs)

He added that all the beneficiaries were are also paid during the training even though they were brought on board with zero payment.

In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education,Hajia Saadat Modibo Kawu, Commissioner for Agricultural and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez. Abolore commended the WATEA team for the initiative which they said aligned with the current administration’s drive in women empowerment and economic prosperity.

The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Arinde also commended kwara Polytechnic for setting the pace in technical education and entrepreneurship innovation.

The duo of Onagun Amudalat Bisola
and Anthony Anita Bonadoh who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries said the training has not only empowered them with skills needed to be self reliant,but has also opened stream of incomes to be financially independent.

The event which was attended by top officials of the institutions and members of the Polytechnic community climaxed with the exhibition of products made by the beneficiaries of the WATEA project.