Center for African Leaders in Agriculture Engages Kwara Youths on Soybean Tofu Processing
The Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA), through its Nigerian cohort known as Team Resilience, has launched an initiative to empower Kwara State stakeholders and youths in the processing of soybean tofu, locally known as “beske.”
The project aims to enhance the production and distribution of this nutritious food, which is seen as a viable alternative to animal protein and a solution to malnutrition in Nigeria.
The event, which took place on Tuesday at the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) Hall of the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture, attracted a large turnout from the public.
It was organized as part of the requirements for completing the advanced leadership course funded by the African Management Institute (AMI) in Kenya, which includes participants from eight African countries, including Nigeria.
Dr. Olatundun Kalejaiye, the leader of Team Resilience, highlighted the importance of soybean tofu as a superior protein source that could address health challenges in Nigeria.
She noted that despite its benefits, the potential of soybean tofu remains underutilized due to various challenges in production and distribution.
“Our goal is to make nutritious soy tofu more accessible by establishing 30 hygienically processed soybean tofu enterprises, managed by youth entrepreneurs in Kwara State,” Kalejaiye said.
“We are also working to develop a well-textured, dehydrated, and packaged soy tofu with a shelf life of at least six months.”
The initiative includes plans to create five distribution points for soybean tofu in Kwara, supporting the beneficiaries with market entry activities.
The project will also equip participants with essential skills in tofu processing, marketing, and business management, with a focus on modernizing production techniques.
Dr. Kadijat Ayinke-Ahmed, Managing Director of the Kwara Agricultural Development Project (ADP), praised the initiative and pledged the state’s support.
She described Kwara as a conducive environment for business and encouraged Team Resilience to continue impacting the lives of soybean tofu producers.
“Here in Kwara, we have a strong market for soybean tofu, and I am confident that this initiative will elevate the industry to new heights,” Ayinke-Ahmed said.
Partners for the project include the National Stored Product Research Institute (NSPRI), Kwara Ministry of Agriculture/ADP, Soybean Farmers Association of Nigeria (SOFAN), NAFDAC, and various NGOs.
The theme of the meeting was “Enhancing Access to Nutritious Soybean Tofu Through Product Optimization and Youth Empowerment in Kwara.” Team Resilience consists of Dr. Olatundun Kalejaiye, Mr. Ekum Ojogu, Dr. Eunice Bamishaiye, Mr. Tajudeen Yahaya, and Mr. Adebayo Adeniyi.
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