The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning the state as a leading hub for food system transformation and livestock development.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, gave the assurance during a practical training session organised by Kwara Women in Livestock, with the theme "From Farm to Market: Building a Profitable Organic Poultry Business for Women."

She urged the women to build viable businesses and prepare for emerging opportunities in the sector.

The Commissioner encouraged participants to strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity through business registration, proper financial management, personal branding and strategic networking, noting that these steps could improve their readiness for potential support, partnerships and investment.

She also urged the women to start with available resources and grow gradually, stressing that practical experience, sound business knowledge and professional presentation were essential to building credible enterprises.

The Commissioner advised participants to tell their business stories and build strong customer relationships, noting that trust and effective marketing were crucial to attracting and retaining customers.

The President, Kwara Women in Livestock, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ajayi, explained that the training is expected to equip participants with practical knowledge of organic poultry production, natural bird-rearing methods and the production of safe, healthy food.

She added that it also covered marketing strategies, customer relations and business management to help women turn their poultry ventures into sustainable sources of income.

The Secretary of the group, Mrs Mujidat Raji, who spoke extensively on practical knowledge of organic poultry production and natural bird-rearing methods, among others, encouraged participants to adopt the method.

She further emphasised that the engagement reflects efforts by Kwara Women in Livestock to strengthen women's participation in the livestock value chain through skills development and entrepreneurship.

According to her, supporting women-led livestock businesses offers opportunities to improve livelihoods, strengthen food production and stimulate economic activity across the poultry sector.

In her remarks, the Treasurer of Kwara Women in Livestock, Bolarin Joy, described the training as practical and eye-opening, noting that it provided participants with valuable lessons on combining poultry production with effective marketing and customer retention.

She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to develop sustainable businesses and take advantage of opportunities within the livestock industry.