KWARA TRAINS 100 STAFF TO DRIVE $57.2M AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PROJECT

The Kwara State government has initiated a capacity-building programme for its 100 officials from 31 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project.

The government hinted this on Tuesday in Ilorin, at the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Programme for staff of relevant public institutions.

The training, organised by Synergy Impact Consultant Limited, in Ilorin, was to equip participants with the technical, institutional and implementation knowledge for the successful execution of the project.

The State Project Coordinator of the Kwara SAPZ Project, Eng Busari Isiaka, told newsmen that the training would ensure that all relevant personnel in government institutions clearly understand their roles before full project implementation begins.

According to him, the participants were drawn from 31 MDAs because of the collaborative nature of the project.

“We are building their technical capacity, institutional capacity and implementation capacity. Once the project fully commences, there will be little or no implementation challenges because they already understand what is expected of them”, he said.

According to Isiaka, the SAPZ project would reduce post-harvest losses, particularly in the livestock value chain, through processing, value addition and improved agricultural infrastructure.

He disclosed that the project, valued at about 57.2 million Dollars, will establish four Agricultural Transformation Centres (ATCs) in Kaiama, Baruten, Ifelodun and Asa Local Government Areas, while a central agro-processing hub will be located in Malete, Moro local area.

According to him, the transformation centres will supply raw materials to the processing hub, where they will be processed into higher-value products, thereby reducing waste and increasing returns for farmers.

He added that the project is expected to attract both local and foreign investors, create employment opportunities, improve household incomes and enhance

food security

across the state.

The project coordinator commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his commitment to the initiative through the timely release of counterpart funding and continued support for its implementation.

He revealed that the state government had recently engaged prospective investors in Turkey, while Governor AbdulRazaq had also undertaken study visits to Benin Republic and Ethiopia to understudy successful agro-industrial models that could be adapted in Kwara State.

Speaking on youth participation in agriculture, Dr. Isiaka encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunities being created through the SAPZ project, stressing that agriculture is no longer an occupation reserved for older people.

He said the state government has continued to support young farmers through access to land, modern equipment and other agricultural interventions aimed at increasing productivity.

Isiaka urged participants to actively engage in the training and apply the knowledge gained to ensure the successful implementation of the SAPZ project, describing the initiative as a major step towards transforming agriculture into a sustainable driver of economic growth in Kwara State.

Speaking earlier, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and other development partners for their contributions to the timely programme to strengthen the institutional capacity of key public sector stakeholders responsible for the successful implementation of the SAPZ Project.

Represented by the Commissioner for finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the governor said: “the project is designed to transform agriculture into a competitive agribusiness sector, promote value addition, create sustainable employment opportunities,
enhance food security, and drive inclusive economic growth across the State.”

The commissioner, who is also the Co-Chair of the State Steering Committee, said her
Ministry remains committed to ensure prudent financial management, transparency, accountability, and the efficient utilization of project resources in line with international best practices.

“These principles are essential to delivering value for money and achieving the project’s intended development outcomes.

“This capacity-building programme comes at a critical stage of project implementation. The success of the SAPZ
Project will depend largely on the competence, commitment, and collaboration of the institutions and
personnel entrusted with its delivery.

“I therefore encourage all participants to take full advantage of this training by actively engaging in the sessions, sharing
experiences, and applying the knowledge and skills acquired to strengthen project implementation and service delivery,” she explained.

Also, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Maman Saba Jubril enjoined the participants to take full advantage of the programme to improve agricultural produce in the state.