The Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project has trained women in the state on leadership and capacity building in order to model their attitudes towards achieving change and high productivity in their agricultural endeavours.

The training, which was held today at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin, was organised for one hundred women drawn from the five local government areas of the project locations (Baruten, Kaiama, Ifelodun , Asa and Moro), with the

theme, "Leadership Academy and Capacity-Building Training for Women".

Speaking at the occasion, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Jubril Saba Mama expressed satisfaction at the participants' enthusiasm and attention at the event.

Represented by Mrs Lawal Ahmad Bilikis, the Secretary revealed that the Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ ) Project is designed to revolutionise the Agro-Industrial landscape in the state by creating an enabling environment for processing, adding value to lives.

He projected that if the participants embrace the project, it will boost productivity in their farm produce.

Congratulating the participants, the Commissioner for Livestock Development; and State Chairperson, Technical Committee of the Kwara SAPZ, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, stated that the KW-SAPZ Project is a rare opportunity for Kwarans, urging the people to embrace it.

She lamented that though "women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, they are often underrepresented in leadership roles, business ownership, and decision-making forums."

She, therefore, affirmed that the training is part of the state government's deliberate efforts to change the narrative of underrepresentation of women in leadership.

As the Chair of the State Technical Committee of the project, she assured the participants that "the SAPZ team will continue to support women-focused initiatives, create inclusive policies, and build platforms where women's voices are heard, respected, and acted upon."

Addressing the participants as a role model, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Honourable Saadat Modibo Kawu, displayed delight over the timeliness of the training, stating that women's voice can refuse any suppression only if women are sensitised, enlightened and re-orientated on social dimensions.

She then called on the participants to always focus on aspiration to the peak, stressing that the training brought courage to women to be able to make change in society.

The State Project Coordinator, Engr.Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, said that the SAPZ Project is to take agriculture above subsistence practice in a way to enhance food and nutritional security.

He explained since the project prioritizes women and youths' participation, hence the need for equipping women with leadership training and the metric of communication to preclude submergence of the voice of women and any gender impediment in the process of implementation.

Highlighting the benefits of the project, Busari disclosed that the project will transform the agricultural face of the state, attract investors, provide employment opportunities among others.

The Resource Persons in the first session, Bar. Funke Balogun from the Ministry of Justice; and the Executive Director, Fulfilling Dreams Foundation, Hajia Nimat Oluwatoyin Labaika, tasked women on attitudinal change for overcoming stereotypes.

In the roundtable session, Prof. Dupe Ogunbosoye of the Department of Animal Production, Fishery and Aquaculture, Kwara State University, Malete; and Dr. (Mrs.) Saadat Yetunde Yusuf of the Department of Crop Protection, University of Ilorin, engaged the participants on strengthening women's agribusiness skills through mentorship.

Some of the participants at the event expressed gratitude to the state government and pledged their readiness to make use of the skills garnered to boost productivity in their farm produce.

The event also had in attendance representatives of the students of ST. Anthony Secondary School; and Cherubim and Seraphim Secondary School, Ilorin.