By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi
Federal Ministry of Livestock Development said its poised to provide the requisite leadership to unlock the great opportunities inherent apiculture, especially jobs creation and improved income for the populace, having fully recognizes its significance and contributions to the nation’s agricultural sector.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha who gave the assurance at this year’s World Bee Day celebration and the 6th Nigerian Youth Beekeepers Summit with the theme: “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all” organized by the ministry in Abuja, said the honey bee industry would not be exempted from President Bola Tinubu’s deliberate decision to develop all sub-sectors of animal agriculture through the creation of the ministry.

Maiha said the ministry was committed to developing and implementing policies that promote the growth and development of the apiculture industry, explaining that the collective mission to promote apiculture development and youth participation highlights the vital roles that the bees and other pollinators play in ecosystem restoration, agri-food systems and environmental health.

“Bees and pollinators play a crucial role in ensuring food security, economic development, and environmental conservation. They pollinate over 75% of the world’s crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

“In Nigeria, apiculture portends an immense potential for job creation, poverty reduction and economic growth. This year’s campaign thus aims at consolidating on past gains in the industry by further engaging and sensitizing the youth and other stakeholders,” he stressed.

The minister disclosed that the government’s drive and strategy would be to promote modern bee keeping through support in the establishment and development of more modern apiaries across the country and providing structural and technical assistance to existing beekeepers.

To improve on the standards and quality of Nigeria honey bee products, he added that a Standard Operating Procedure has been drafted, awaiting review and validation, saying “this will form the crux of the much-anticipated code of practice for beekeeping in the country.”

He, however, lamented that despite their importance, bees face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and declining pollinator populations, insisting that these must be addressed through sustainable beekeeping practices, research, and policy support.

Interestingly, he reiterated the commitment of the ministry to promoting youth participation in apiculture through training, capacity building, technical and professional support, saying the present administration recognizes the potential of apiculture to create jobs, generate income, and improve livelihoods for women and young Nigerians.

Earlier, the National President, Youths for Apiculture Initiative, YFAI, Mr. Kingsley Nwaogu, said by observing the World Bee Day each year, stakeholders could raise awareness on the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and on the many challenges they face today.

Nwaogu disclosed that they have been celebrating the day since 2018, with the efforts of the Government of Slovenia and the support of Apimondia, that led the UN General Assembly to declare 20 May as World Bee Day.

Lamenting that bees, pollinators, and many other insects are declining in abundance nowadays, he however, noted that celebrating the day “provides an opportunity for all of us – whether we work for governments, organizations or civil society or are concerned citizens – to promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats, improve their abundance and diversity, and support the sustainable development of beekeeping.”

He said their decline jeopardizes food production, increases costs and worsen food insecurity, particularly for rural communities.

“Beekeeping represents a viable microeconomic enterprise which pays for itself in the first year, Apiculture is a sustainable tool for grassroots poverty alleviation and empowerment of women and youths,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria spent $3billion annually on honey importation, saying that the country is currently producing honey below its optimal consumption capacity at 40,000 tons out of 400,000 tons annually (less than 10 percent of the consumption) this trend indicates a large business opportunity.

“The total production in the industry has been unable to meet national demand. It is widely consumed globally due to its numerous nutritional and health benefits.

“Majority of our farmers growing different cash and food crops and citrus, require the services of beekeepers to provide their colonies during flowering period if we are to achieve maximum yields and high-quality farm produce, that is to say, sustainable agricultural productivity cannot be achieved without the bees, yet, many farmers consider honey bees as harmful micro-livestock, Nwaogu explained.

Also speaking, the Director-General, Youth for Apiculture Initiative, YFAI, Yusuf Adeyemo, urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to consider elevating apiculture to a full department and establishing an Apiculture Board, similar to Ethiopia and other African countries that have successfully harnessed the potential of apiculture for economic growth.

Adeyemo also requested full support for the sector, akin to livestock development, to unlock its vast potential.

The YFAI leader further sought the collaboration with the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC to develop mobile honey testing facilities, ensuring Nigeria honey meets international standards.

“Establishing apiary estates across Nigeria would also greatly benefit our beekeepers. Let’s work together to unlock the potential of apiculture and make Nigeria a major player in the global apiculture industry,” he said.

By Tricia Michaels

The European Union (EU)in collaboration with the Abia State Government has launched a N4.840,700,800billion solar power project aimed at 24/7 electrifying of over 25 Primary health centers and businesses across approximately 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across 17 local government areas.

This initiative, supported by the European Union (EU), aims to improve healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, by ensuring a reliable power supply for diagnostic equipment, vaccine storage, and medication preservation.

Governor Alex C. Otti said on Tuesday during the launch at the Deputy Government office,Government house in Umuahia that his administration is committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure , further boosting local economic activities of the State.

The Governor ,who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State Engr Ikechukwu Emetu
stated that this initiative will not only transform the health care system in the State but will bring life to the communities.

He noted that the move will support more economic development in surrounding locations and equally accumulate an overall improvement in the living conditions of the people.

“I would like to specially appreciate our partners from the European Union (EU) for choosing Abia as one of the few states to participate in this round of the project.

” This is a great honour, and we do not take it lightly.

” On behalf of the Government of Abia State, I would like to convey the collective gratitude of our people to the leadership of the EU in Brussels for bringing this excellent initiative to our State.

“I would also like to thank the implementing partners, NTU International, for their hard work and commitment to the long term success of this project.

Mr Tinyan Ogiehor, the Senior Stakeholder, Engagement Manager of NISHP, noted that NISHP was funded by EU in collaboration with the Abia State Government to particularly improve health outcomes in the state.

“This initiative, supported by the European Union (EU), aims to improve healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, by ensuring a reliable power supply for diagnostic equipment, vaccine storage, and medication preservation.

The project focuses on equipping 25 PHCs across the state’s 17 LGAs with solar power.

The European Union is supporting the NISHP, which underscores their commitment to renewable energy and healthcare.

“The Abia State government is also contributing 30% counterpart funding to the project.

“The initiative aims to enhance diagnostic equipment operation, vaccine storage, and medicine preservation, leading to better healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas, and support growth of local SMEs around these health facilities.

“The solar power project is expected to benefit 50 plus small businesses operating within the facilities, further boosting local economic activities.
Commitment to PHC

According to him,
a ten-member Steering Committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Power Abia State, is overseeing the project’s implementation.

By Tricia Michaels

The European Union (EU)in collaboration with the Abia State Government has launched a N4.840,700,800billion solar power project aimed at 24/7 electrifying of over 25 Primary health centers and businesses across approximately 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across 17 local government areas.

This initiative, supported by the European Union (EU), aims to improve healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, by ensuring a reliable power supply for diagnostic equipment, vaccine storage, and medication preservation.

Governor Alex C. Otti said on Tuesday during the launch at the Deputy Government office,Government house in Umuahia that his administration is committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure , further boosting local economic activities of the State.

The Governor ,who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State Engr Ikechukwu Emetu stated that this initiative will not only transform the health care system in the State but will bring life to the communities.

He noted that the move will support more economic development in surrounding locations and equally accumulate an overall improvement in the living conditions of the people.

“I would like to specially appreciate our partners from the European Union (EU) for choosing Abia as one of the few states to participate in this round of the project.

” This is a great honour, and we do not take it lightly.

” On behalf of the Government of Abia State, I would like to convey the collective gratitude of our people to the leadership of the EU in Brussels for bringing this excellent initiative to our State.

“I would also like to thank the implementing partners, NTU International, for their hard work and commitment to the long term success of this project.

Mr Tinyan Ogiehor, the Senior Stakeholder, Engagement Manager of NISHP, noted that NISHP was funded by EU in collaboration with the Abia State Government to particularly improve health outcomes in the state.

“This initiative, supported by the European Union (EU), aims to improve healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, by ensuring a reliable power supply for diagnostic equipment, vaccine storage, and medication preservation.

The project focuses on equipping 25 PHCs across the state’s 17 LGAs with solar power.

The European Union is supporting the NISHP, which underscores their commitment to renewable energy and healthcare.

“The Abia State government is also contributing 30% counterpart funding to the project.

“The initiative aims to enhance diagnostic equipment operation, vaccine storage, and medicine preservation, leading to better healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas, and support growth of local SMEs around these health facilities.

“The solar power project is expected to benefit 50 plus small businesses operating within the facilities, further boosting local economic activities.
Commitment to PHC

According to him,
a ten-member Steering Committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Power Abia State, is overseeing the project’s implementation.