Kogi L-PRES Commences Mass Artificial Insemination Programme to Boost Livestock Productivity in Kogi State

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES) has commenced the implementation of its Mass Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme across the livestock value chain clusters in Kogi State marking a major milestone in the efforts to improve livestock genetics, increase productivity, and enhance the livelihoods of cattle and goat farmers.

The implementation, which will run from August to November 2026, is taking place across the Livestock Value Chain Clusters in Kogi Central, Kogi West and Kogi East Senatorial Districts.

The eligible livestock farmers are expected to present a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) healthy female cows or goats for the artificial insemination program

The commencement of the exercise follows the successful five-day statewide awareness campaign organised by Kogi L-PRES from July 20 to July 24, 2026, during which livestock farmers and other stakeholders were sensitised on the objectives, requirements, benefits and implementation process of the programme.

Speaking on the commencement of the implementation, the Kogi L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Mr. Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, described the programme as another significant step towards transforming livestock production in Kogi State through the adoption of modern breeding technologies.

According to him, the Artificial Insemination Programme is designed to provide livestock farmers with access to superior genetics and technical support services capable of improving meat and milk production, enhancing reproductive performance, increasing growth rates and strengthening disease resistance.

He explained that the programme aligns with the objectives of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project as well as the agricultural development agenda of the administration of His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, which places priority on livestock development to create job opportunities, economic growth, increase farmers income, ensure food safety and security

“The first phase of the Mass Artificial Insemination programme would cover 1,500 cows and 500 goats using both conventional and sexed semen, while eligible livestock farmers profiled under the project would present between three (3) and five (5) healthy animals for the exercise” Mr Otaru said.

He further disclosed that Kogi L-PRES had engaged Geneedxx Nigerian Ltd as the Consultant to provide Artificial Insemination inputs and technical support services. The Kogi L-PRES Project is also constructing three (3) Livestock Improvement and Breeding Centres (LIBCs) having one (1) in each of the three senatorial districts to fully adopt the livestock innovation, ensure continuous breed improvement and the sustainability of the programme beyond the current intervention supports.

The State Project Coordinator urged livestock farmers across the state to take advantage of the opportunity by presenting healthy female cows and goats and cooperating fully with the Consulting Artificial Insemination Technical Team throughout the implementation period.

He also advised farmers to ensure that their animals are properly fed before and after insemination, noting that adequate nutrition is critical to achieving high conception rates and obtaining the best possible results from the programme.

Mr. Otaru reaffirmed the commitment of Kogi L-PRES to deploying innovative technologies that will improve livestock productivity, and position Kogi State as a leading livestock-producing state in Nigeria.

He expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering support and commitment to agricultural transformation and livestock development. He also commended the Federal Government, development partners and all stakeholders whose continued collaboration has contributed to the successful implementation of the L-PRES Project in the state.

For further enquiries, interested livestock farmers are advised to contact the Kogi ADP Livestock Extension Agents, Cluster Coordinators or visit the Kogi L-PRES Office in Lokoja.