Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Tofunmi Adebayo

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), in collaboration with WAFROEX, a leading multinational apiculture and agro-allied organisation powered by Goldswarm, have successfully conducted an introductory training on beekeeping for 160 FUNAAB students.

Held today, April 9, 2025, at the Green Chamber, the event was tagged “Introductory Training on Beekeeping and Apiculture Value Chain” and themed “Empowering the Next Generation of Beekeepers.” The session focused on equipping students with foundational knowledge of modern beekeeping techniques, essential tools, and opportunities within the apiculture value chain.

Declaring the training open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended the initiative, stressing the University’s commitment to providing students with hands-on, industry-relevant skills. He noted that such collaborations were instrumental in nurturing a generation of agriculturally competent and ethically grounded professionals. Prof. Kehinde also applauded the efforts of WAFROEX, particularly the Project Manager, Alhaji Abdulrahman Shomala, for his dedication to youth empowerment and agricultural development.

Delivering the Keynote Address, Alhaji Abdulrahman Shomala shared the inspiring story of WAFROEX’s founders, Messrs Umar and Samir Lababidi, highlighting their commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Alhaji Shomala, an alumnus of FUNAAB drew from his personal journey from the insurance industry into agriculture to encourage students to remain open-minded, embrace continuous learning, and uphold the values of hard work, character, and perseverance.

According to him, “Earning a degree is undoubtedly important, but never lose sight of the fact that character matters just as much.” He stated further that while a good certificate can open doors, it is a good character that keeps those doors open and attracts further opportunities. He, therefore, admonished the students to strive for academic excellence, noting that integrity, respect, and a sense of responsibility should be the true marks that define them.

The event concluded with a field trip and presentation of certificates, alongside expressions of appreciation from the participants, who lauded the training as eye-opening and impactful.

The training marked the beginning of a broader capacity-building programme aimed at grooming a new generation of apiculturists equipped with practical skills, strong values, and the vision to thrive in the evolving agricultural sector.

Present at the event were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), represented by the Director, Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), Prof. Kazeem Bello; Head, Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production (PPCP), Prof. Thomas Fabunmi; and Mr. Jatto Abraham from the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), including several staff members of Wafroex.

Pictures are attached below 👇

Credit: Gbolahan Lawal