The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Rural Development and its Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), held the Y2025 Training on Apiculture Management and Pure Honey Production on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, in a bold move to drive self-reliance and sustainable socioeconomic development in rural communities.
The training, which took place at the CERUD Office Complex in Igbodu, Epe, Lagos State, was themed “Empowering the Youth for Self-Reliance and Sustainable Socioeconomic Development.”
The initiative is part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s broader agenda to promote agricultural innovation and youth entrepreneurship across rural areas of the state.
Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, emphasized the importance of empowering rural youth through skills that can lead to economic independence and long-term sustainability.
He noted that apiculture—an often-overlooked sector in agriculture—holds immense potential for wealth creation, job opportunities, and environmental conservation.
“We are not just training individuals; we are building a generation of self-reliant, resourceful, and economically empowered rural dwellers.”
“The goal is to reduce rural-urban migration, increase income levels in the rural sector, and improve food and health security through the production of natural honey,” Dr. Agbaje stated.
Despite the public holiday on July 15th, the training proceeded as scheduled due to the overwhelming interest shown by prospective participants.
According to Mr. Musibau Muyiwa Balogun, Director of CERUD, the impressive turnout demonstrated a growing enthusiasm among youths and small-scale farmers for alternative agricultural ventures like beekeeping.
“The level of interest from across rural communities was unprecedented. We had no choice but to proceed with the training, despite the public holiday.”
“This shows that with the right support, rural youth are ready and willing to embrace innovative livelihoods,” Mr. Balogun explained.
The training covered core aspects of apiculture, including bee biology, hive construction and maintenance, colony management, honey extraction, and packaging for commercial purposes.
Participants were also educated on the economic and ecological benefits of beekeeping, such as pollination support for crop yield enhancement and the potential for export-oriented income.
The program aligns with CERUD’s mission to provide strategic rural development interventions that are knowledge-driven, sustainable, and tailored to the unique challenges of rural Lagos.
Beneficiaries of the program are expected to receive ongoing mentorship and support to ensure they successfully establish and sustain their honey production ventures.
As Lagos State continues to prioritize rural development and agricultural diversification, initiatives like the Apiculture Training Program represent practical steps toward achieving inclusive growth, food security, and environmental sustainability.
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