From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Nnewi Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NWCCIMA) in conjunction with Progressive Women Nnewi North Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited on Wednesday organized a one-day sensitization workshop to train bee farmers in Nnewi.
The event said to be the first of its kind in the industrial community was sponsored by Orizu Dala Emenike Foundation with Nnewi Advancement Charity, UK, (NAC) as co- sponsor targeted to train 100 participants but over 200 were in attendance at the programme.
Three resource persons, including Dr Chukwueloka Uduagum, a seasoned bee farmer, tutored the participants on the best practices in bee farming with the economic benefits.
In her address at the workshop themed: Engaging Youths And Women In The Honey Bee Farming Business And Export, the 2nd Vice President to NWCCIMA and Secretary to Orizu Dala Emenike Foundation, Rev Dr Mrs Uchenna Chukwu, said the event was meant to enrich the participants in beekeeping processes.
According to her, the workshop aims to commemorate World Beekeeping Day celebration and sensitise the people on beekeeping for export. The initiative, she says, is to exploit agriculture for sustainable youth and women empowerment and global competitiveness in Nnewi North Local Government Area.
“It is a well known fact that tropical climate and vegetation of our dear State, Anambra makes it sustainable for beekeeping with proper infrastructure and training. As such the State could tap into the global market for honey and other by-products.
“During this workshop it is expected that you will be exposed to best practices for honey bee farming and exports.
“It is also expected that at the end of this training, beneficiaries will be able to implement the knowledge acquired by establishing their bee hives as such will contribute to the 25,000 metric tons expected for export in Anambra by December 2026, “Dr Chukwu concluded.