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West African Soy Industries Limited (WASIL), a member of the TGI Group, announced a collaborative effort with the USAID-funded Global Shea Alliance (GSA) to support women shea nut processors in Kwara State. This initiative involves the construction and donation of 100-ton warehouses to women’s cooperatives across five local governments: Patigi, Babanla, Fanagu, Alapa, and Gbugbu.
The warehouses will provide a secure environment for bulk storage of shea nuts, minimizing losses from spoilage and pests. This will lead to a more stable supply and higher quality of nuts, ultimately expanding income opportunities for women shea collectors in these communities. Additionally, WASIL donated cooking pots to facilitate the drying process before storage.
Rafiat Gawat, Head of Corporate Communication at TGI Group, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved and emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development. “Women and youths are central to our sustainability initiatives, particularly in agribusiness,” stated Gawat. “These donations further illustrate our support. The shea nuts collected by these women become ingredients in products around the world. Their work is invaluable.”
Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, Kwara State Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, commended TGI Group, WASIL, and their partners for aligning with the state government’s agricultural master plan.
Yosola Onanuga, Head of Sustainability at TGI, highlighted the program’s impact on female shea collectors. “Our efforts have empowered over 5,000 women in Kwara State through training in shea nut production, cooperative management, and agricultural best practices,” Onanuga explained. “This initiative not only enhances economic opportunities but also promotes environmental conservation through shea tree planting.”
Aaron Adu, Managing Director of the Global Shea Alliance, applauded WASIL’s proactive approach. “The construction and donation of these warehouses represent a significant step towards economic stability in shea-producing communities,” Adu said. “By providing essential infrastructure, this initiative empowers women with greater control over their livelihoods while safeguarding the quality of shea nuts.”
Women leaders from the cooperative in Alapa and Patigi communities expressed their gratitude for the initiative, acknowledging its importance in improving storage capacity and production volume. They also encouraged other women to join the cooperatives.
Complementing the Global Shea Alliance’s goal of planting 10 million new shea trees, the program actively contributes to environmental conservation by planting up to 5,000 shea trees. This empowers women with a role in environmental stewardship and resource management, ensuring the sustainability of the shea parkland ecosystem.
TGI Group’s sustainability efforts extend beyond shea to other agricultural value chains, including cocoa, cotton, rice, and sesame. Through partnerships and training programs, they aim to empower smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
