Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has reassured the people of his administrations Commitment to ensure a safe and healthy livestock consumption.
The Governor made this known during the flag off ceremony of the Private Veterinary Practice Programme (PVP) in Government House, Lokoja.
Governor Ododo, while speaking at the flag off ceremony,urged critical stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector to work together to ensure that the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project L-PRES succeed in the State.
He noted that livestock farming plays a critical role in our society to ensure food security in the State and drive industrialization, emphasizing his administration’s readiness to implement the necessary legal and administrative framework and affirm to eliminate any obstacle that hinders investments in the sector, appreciating the World Bank Team for the support,especially the establishment of Livestock Service Centre in the State, stressing that the State is committed to taking full advantage of the project for the benefit of the people.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Agriculture, Hon. Otaru Abdulkabir, stated that the program is part of the World Bank assisted L-PRES project,which demonstrates the political will and commitment of the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to develop the Agricultural sector and improve the welfare of all citizens.He pointed out that the program aims to address gaps in veterinary services, improve livestock production and enhance food safety and security.
Task Team Leader, L-PRES Project, World Bank, Dr. Manievel Sene,who led a delegation of the Project to the State,said the implementation of the Project in Kogi is currently on track.urging the State Implementation Committee,as well as the leadership of the Project in the State,to work assiduously to ensure that the project has impact in the lives of the people.According to him, a Strategic plan has been developed for the project and it counts on Veterinarians in the State to ensure the success.
In his remark, Mr. Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator L-PRES Project noted that Kogi is taking the lead in the implementation of the project in the Country.
While enumerating the importance of the Private Veterinary Practice (PVP) Programme, Mr. Sanusi described the programme as a calculated attempt to strengthen Veterinary practice in the State and explained that the involvement of Private Veterinarians in the L-PRES is because out of the over 11,000 Veterinary Doctors in Nigeria only 15% of them work with government.
He emphasized that the Project is keen on ensuring value for money, hence the need to ensure strict compliance with
implementation strategy, adequate documentation of all transactions, correspondence and transparency in all expenditures, adding that if properly implemented,the project will revolutionalize veterinary service delivery, value chain development and enhance food security in the State.
Dr. Omotugba Samuel Chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Kogi State Chapter appreciated the Governor for his contribution and support to the livestock farming in Kogi State.
As part of the commitment of L-PRES for the Project, a Hilux vehicle, 20 motorcycles and consumables were provided for the Private Veterinary Doctors.
Salawu Patience,
Information Officer,
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
