The Lagos State Government, through the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD) under the Office of Rural Development, has reinforced its commitment to sustainable rural development with the launch of a specialised training and empowerment programme for honey bee farmers across the State.
The initiative is designed to boost agricultural productivity, create alternative sources of income, and improve the livelihoods of rural dwellers through modern apiculture practices.
Speaking at the programme held at the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD) Headquarters in Igbodu, Epe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and tools required for successful honey bee production.
According to him, the programme will not only strengthen existing honey production enterprises but also provide new economic opportunities for rural farmers, in line with the Lagos State Government’s vision of promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable rural development.
Also addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support for rural development initiatives and sustained investment in programmes that empower local communities.
She encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity by applying the knowledge and skills gained during the training to improve productivity, expand their businesses, and enhance their economic well-being.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), Mr. Musbau Balogun, explained that the training forms part of the Centre’s 2026 empowerment initiatives aimed at supporting farmers across Lagos State.
He disclosed that, beyond the intensive training sessions, participants would receive modern honey bee production equipment to enable them establish new enterprises or expand existing ones.
Delivering the technical presentation, the lead facilitator, Dr. Gbolahan Saba, highlighted the enormous economic potential of the honey bee value chain. He noted that, in addition to honey production, farmers could generate significant income from other bee products, making apiculture a profitable and sustainable agribusiness venture. Participants also took part in practical demonstrations on modern honey bee production techniques.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Adeleke Adeyinka, a member of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Centre for Rural Development for organising the capacity-building programme.
She assured the government that participants would put the knowledge and skills acquired into productive use to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen their businesses, and contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities.
