As part of the federal government’s Food Systems Transformation Pathways (FSTP) agenda, the Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has commenced the distribution of 14,180 economic tree seedlings to 255 schools across the state’s 16 local government areas.
Speaking at the launch in Ilorin on Monday, Chief (Dr.) Mary Ronke Arinde, Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development and Chairperson of the State Steering Committee for FSTP, said the initiative would provide both educational and economic benefits. Beneficiaries include 80 primary schools, 170 secondary schools, and five tertiary institutions, which will receive cocoa, cashew, oil palm, and orange tree seedlings.
“These orchards will teach students about crops and their products while serving as research plantations for tertiary institutions. Local government chairmen can also select two schools to benefit from the initiative,” Arinde stated. She added that, over time, the project could generate revenue for schools, supporting other agricultural ventures such as animal husbandry and fisheries.
The Commissioner urged supervising agencies—including the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Teaching Service Commission, and Ministry of Tertiary Education—to monitor and ensure accountability through follow-up visits. She commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his commitment to food security and praised ACReSAL, led by Alhaji Aregbe Shamsudeen, for facilitating seedling delivery.
Kwara State Director of Planning, Alhaji Kayode Alimi, highlighted the role of school gardens in practical agricultural education. He noted that gardening tools and seedlings will enable students to start their own gardens under supervision, fostering eco-friendly environments and encouraging interest in agriculture and food security.
Dr. Lawal Olalekan Olohungbebe, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, stressed the importance of preserving school trees, noting that they protect learning environments and safeguard education investments. He announced the formation of a monitoring committee drawn from the Quality Assurance Bureau and School Services to inspect and maintain the trees.
The launch concluded with a training session on proper seedling care to ensure healthy growth and long-term sustainability.
