By Bunmi Yekini
Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State has embraced a new era of opportunity and sustainable development as the climate-smart Al-Barka shea facility was officially launched in Ilesha Baruba.
The groundbreaking project, powered by grant support from Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders and Vital Voices Global Partnership, was flagged off by the Initiative for Gender Empowerment and Creativity (IGEC). It is set to revolutionise shea processing in the region and improve the livelihoods of rural women and youth.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Olasumbo Adeleke, Executive Director of IGEC, highlighted the facility’s potential to fight poverty through a grassroots-driven approach.
“The best way to tackle poverty is through a bottom-up approach, empowering rural women farmers and processors. By improving their livelihoods and productivity, we can help them scale their businesses many times over, leading to healthier homes and stronger communities,” she said.
Equipped with modern machines, a borehole for clean water, a crèche, cloakrooms, and storage units, the facility will enable local women and youth to process shea under safe and hygienic conditions.
Despite Nigeria’s status as one of the world’s largest shea nut producers, with an estimated 500,000 metric tons annually, less than 10 per cent is processed into high-value butter locally.
“Over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s shea pickers and processors are rural women,” Adeleke added. “With every empowered woman and engaged youth, we’re not just producing shea butter — we’re producing hope, dignity, and sustainable prosperity.”
The Emir of Ilesha Baruba, His Royal Highness, Prof. Haliru Abubakar, joined representatives of key government ministries, youth leaders, and women’s groups at the launch, demonstrating broad community support.
With its focus on local leadership and global partnerships, the Al-Barka facility will serve as a model for future modular plants across Nigeria, enabling women and youth to access new markets, boost income, and contribute meaningfully to local development.
As the climate-smart facility begins operations, rural Nigeria is poised to become a hub of innovation and empowerment, one shea nut at a time.