SEC Nigeria Showcases the Power of Partnerships and People 

If there was one message that echoed throughout the Soy Excellence Center’s week in Nigeria, it was this: transforming an industry begins with investing in people. 

That philosophy shaped every conversation during the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and Global Advisory Panel (GAP) meeting in Lagos and every interaction that followed during visits to industry partners and SEC participants. Together, they demonstrated how strategic partnerships, practical learning and shared purpose are helping build a stronger livestock industry across Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The week began with RAC and GAP members reflecting on six years of growth for SEC in the region. Since its launch in Nigeria, more than 5,000 professionals have participated in SEC learning pathways, creating a growing community of industry leaders equipped with the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to strengthen food production and agricultural competitiveness. 

For the Chair of the SEC SSA Regional Advisory Council, Dr. Tola Johnson, the program’s success extends far beyond participation numbers. 

“The greatest legacy of the Soy Excellence Center will not be the courses we deliver, but the leaders we develop, the industries we strengthen, and the transformation we inspire throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.” 

The SEC GAP Chair, Ms. Anne Meis, echoed that vision, celebrating Nigeria’s milestone while challenging partners to continue raising the bar. 

“Training more than 5,000 professionals in Nigeria is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the quality of the SEC program. Our next opportunity is to build on that momentum by expanding our reach, deepening collaboration, and creating even greater impact across the region.” 

The conversations also focused on what comes next. In his presentation, “More Than a Skill Development Program,” Mr. Adegboyega Adedeji, Managing Director of Livestock Feeds Plc, challenged stakeholders to view workforce development as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s agricultural future. He described SEC as a catalyst for closing the livestock industry’s skills gap through practical, industry-led learning, while outlining a vision to expand the program across all 36 states by strengthening partnerships with industry and institutions such as the Industrial Training Fund. His message was clear: building skills today is essential to building a globally competitive livestock industry tomorrow. 

The strategy discussed in Lagos quickly became reality in the field. 

At Animal Care Konsult Ltd., one of SEC’s industry partners, delegates heard directly from management and employees about how SEC learning has translated into stronger technical capability, greater confidence, and improved workplace performance. The results reflect what SEC participant surveys have consistently shown: 98% of SEC Nigeria participants report that the program has helped advance their careers. 

The delegation then traveled to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan, where members of the RAC, GAP, and USSEC leadership met participants graduating from the Poultry Intermediate Management Course. The program brought together 60 poultry professionals from Nigeria and Ghana, creating opportunities to exchange experiences while celebrating the successful completion of another stage in their professional development. 

For SEC Nigeria participant Mr. Moses Akaasema, the value of the SEC learning was immediately evident. 

“Applying the improved biosecurity principles and management practices from SEC has strengthened disease prevention, improved operational efficiency, and increased productivity in our hatchery.” 

Across the room, Mr. George Kwaku from Ghana shared a similar experience. 

“The knowledge on feed formulation, poultry nutrition and feed efficiency has helped improve bird performance and production outcomes, demonstrating how practical training can solve real challenges in our industry.” 

Their stories reflected the broader purpose of the Soy Excellence Center: transforming knowledge into measurable business results and creating professionals who return to their organizations ready to lead change. 

By the end of the week, one conclusion stood above all others. Partnerships create opportunities. Learning builds capability. But it is people who ultimately transform industries. 

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Soy Excellence Center continues to invest in those people, equipping today’s professionals to become tomorrow’s leaders and strengthening the region’s livestock industry one learner, one partnership, and one success story at a time.