Kwara trains youths on job creation, entrepreneurship under agro-industrial project
The Kwara State Government has commenced a capacity-building programme for young people on job creation and entrepreneurship under its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, as part of efforts to position youths for opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
The programme, held in Ilorin, brought together young people, development partners, implementing agencies, trainers and private-sector stakeholders for training on entrepreneurship, job creation and participation in the state’s emerging agro-industrial economy.
Speaking at the opening, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, said the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to transform agriculture from subsistence farming into a modern and commercially viable sector capable of creating jobs, generating wealth and supporting inclusive economic growth.
She said the state was focusing beyond food production by strengthening the agricultural value chain, promoting enterprise development and building technical and entrepreneurial skills among young people.
Nuru said Kwara’s youthful population remained one of its greatest assets and should be equipped with the skills, mindset and opportunities required to build sustainable livelihoods.
“Training without opportunity is not enough. Our objective is to equip participants with practical skills that can be translated into businesses, employment and sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
According to the commissioner, the SAPZ initiative would provide a platform to connect farmers with processors, processors with markets and young people with emerging opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
She urged participants to take the training seriously and use the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge, build networks, identify business opportunities and position themselves to benefit from the state’s growing agro-industrial sector.
“Be innovative. Be entrepreneurial. Be prepared to create opportunities, not merely to seek them,” she added.
Nuru said the state government would continue to support businesses and entrepreneurs through strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, access to finance and enterprise development initiatives.
Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr Busari Isiaka, said livestock development was among the key priorities of the SAPZ Project, alongside youth and women’s empowerment.
He urged participants to actively engage in the training and take advantage of the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills.
Also speaking, the Lead Consultant, Dr Adekunle Adebayo of D-Positive Global Image Service Consult, commended the state government and development partners for supporting initiatives aimed at improving agricultural production and creating opportunities for young people.
He stressed the need for stakeholders to ensure that development interventions produce tangible and sustainable results.
The commissioner, who declared the programme open, expressed confidence that businesses and entrepreneurs emerging from the initiative would contribute to Kwara’s economic growth and Nigeria’s broader agricultural transformation.
