An introduction to Bolu

Boluwaji Durogbola was officially voted in as a Bees Abroad newest trustee in September 2024. Bolu is Trial Agronomist at NIAB, a crop science organisation that works closely with the University of Cambridge. Now based in Cambridge, Bolu is also a Partnership Manager for Bees Abroad projects in Nigeria and is a former member of the Excel beekeeping group in Nigeria, a group that Bees Abroad started working with in 2019. Bolu’s trusteeship sees him responsible for alignment of projects to local cultures and practices.   

Christine Ratcliffe, Communications and Fundraising Manager at Bees Abroad, spoke to Bolu about his appointment as Trustee: 

First of all, congratulations on being appointed as a Trustee,  Bolu!

Q: What inspired you to want to become a Trustee with Bees Abroad? Can you tell us about the journey that led you to become a trustee? 

A: As a farm management professional supporting various farms in southwest Nigeria, my knowledge of beekeeping was limited until I discovered Bees Abroad in 2019. Eager to enhance my beekeeping skills, I applied for training through Bees Abroad website. The training was approved and commenced in 2019, continuing through 2021. Subsequently, with further training I volunteered as an in-country trainer with Bees Abroad from late 2021 to 2022, I was able to co-handle two community projects as an in-country trainer with Bees Abroad, as these were on-going, i decided to relocate to the UK. 

I relocated to the UK in December 2022. In 2023, I reached out to the Nigeria Partnership Manager, Bisi New, expressing my interest in continuing to support Bees Abroad as a volunteer. Bisi invited me to a Leadership gathering in March 2023, where I networked with fellow volunteers in different capacities and expanded my involvement in assisting Bisi as the partnership manager for Nigeria projects. 

In December 2023, a Christmas meet-and-greet event was announced for the Bees Abroad team, while on the table with mostly Bees Abroad Trustees, I was proposed the opportunity to join the Trustee board to contribute to shaping projects benefiting African communities. My response brought me into the Trustee meeting in January 2024 to understand the processes. In September 2023, I was officially voted in as a Trustee member, solidifying my role in guiding Bees Abroad’s initiatives for African beneficiaries.

 Q: How do you think being part of a project that was supported by Bees Abroad influences you as a trustee?  

A: Certainly! Being a beneficiary of the Bees Abroad project has truly lit a fire within me to give back to other communities. The project has significantly enhanced my beekeeping management skills, motivated me to identify local resources for beekeeping at a low cost, and equipped me to construct hives, smokers, and other necessary equipment for myself and others.

Thanks to the project, I have successfully established and managed more than 12 apiaries, generating a substantial income. Volunteering as a trainer has boosted my confidence in giving presentations and educating others on beekeeping, empowering individuals to pursue this field. Amid the pandemic, I was able to support my family financially by meeting the increased demand for pure honey, sought after by many for its reported immunity-boosting properties.

Witnessing firsthand the positive impact of beekeeping projects supported by Bees Abroad has reaffirmed my dedication to creating sustainable change. I am now more discerning in selecting projects with significant impact potential and ensure efficient utilization of resources. As a beneficiary, I have gained a deeper appreciation for Bees Abroad’s mission, driving me to give back by volunteering and assisting others in similar circumstances.

 Q: Do you have any goals as a trustee or developments you would like to see happen for Bees Abroad? 

A: Expansion of Programs: I would like to support and see Bees Abroad expand its reach and impact by establishing projects in more countries and regions where beekeeping can make a significant difference in improving livelihoods and environmental sustainability. 

Enhanced Training and Support: I believe it is crucial for Bees Abroad to focus on providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to beekeepers, aiming to enhance both individual skills and community impart, to ensure the lasting prosperity and effectiveness of our beekeeping initiatives long-term success and sustainability of our beekeeping projects. I’ve started working with others in enriching the Bees Abroad training syllabus for enhanced training outcomes.