By Mercy Omoike

The Youth for Apiculture Initiative Executives (YFAI) is planning solidarity march across the country for the 2025 World Bee Day.

The YFAI Director-General in Africa, Mr Yusuf Adeyemo, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the World Bee Day is celebrated on May 20 annually.

The purpose of the international day is to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators for the ecosystem.

YFAI focuses on engaging young people in apiculture, it aims to promote beekeeping among youth, potentially for economic development, food security, or other benefits.

Adeyemo noted that the YFAI would continue to upscale youth participation in apiculture for wealth creation, food security and sustainability.

He said the solidarity march slated for May 20, would raise awareness on beekeeping in commemoration of the 2025 World Bee Day.

“May 20 of every year is observed as the World Bee Day to sensitise the general public to the important roles that honeybee plays to ensure food security and biodiversity conservation among others.

“The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is collaborating with Youths for Apiculture Initiative to co-host the 2025 World Bee Day and 6th Nigerian Youth Beekeepers Summit to commemorate this year’s World Bee Day celebration.

“The theme of this year’s celebration is tagged: “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish us all.” Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and start making plans. Let us celebrate bees, sustainability, and youth innovation together!

“This year’s celebration is taking a new fun turn. It will involve an awareness march starting to commence the celebration and the summit,” Adeyemo said.

He noted that the YFAI executives paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Livestock Development in partnership for the 2025 World Bee Day.

“Amidst the series of events lined up in the preparation for the 2025 World Bee Day celebration, the YFAI Executives, led by the National President, Mr Nwaogu Kingsley, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar,” he said.

He said the minister, at the visit, restated that the role of bees cannot be over emphasised and that beekeeping will be one of the mainstays of the ministry.

He also promised to collaborate with YFAI to create the needed awareness and advocacy for the modern beekeeping technology and empowerment and support for the forthcoming World Bee Day. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma