Kogi L-PRES Hosts STC and SSC Meetings as Committees Reaffirm Commitment to Project Success*

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) successfully convened a two-day strategic meeting with members of the State Technical Committee (STC) and State Steering Committee (SSC). Held from March 13–14, 2025, at Edge Drive Hotel, Lokoja, the meeting provided a crucial platform for in-depth discussions on project implementation, key challenges, and strategies to enhance livestock productivity and resilience in the state.

A key highlight of the engagement was the presentation, review, clearance and approval of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB), ensuring alignment with Project Objectives and the Kogi State Development Plan.

The stakeholders critically assessed progress reports, identified priority intervention areas, and deliberated on strengthening institutional frameworks to enhance service delivery in the livestock sector.

The Chairman of the State Steering Committee, The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon Timothy Ojomah commended the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) for its dedication to the project’s success. He emphasized the need for intensified efforts to scale up livestock production, enhance commercialization, and foster resilience across the state.

While acknowledging the progress achieved so far, he urged all stakeholders to remain committed to implementing strategies that will drive sustainable growth in the livestock sector. He further reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for initiatives aimed at improving productivity, expanding market access, and strengthening resilience against emerging challenges in the livestock value chain.

In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator, Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, underscored the significance of the meeting in advancing project implementation. He reiterated that the committees play a pivotal role in reviewing project activities and ensuring that all interventions align with the Project Development Objective (PDO) and the Kogi State Development Plan.

The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Finance and Water Resources, who represented their respective commissioners, further demonstrating cross-sectoral commitment to the project’s success.

Also, in attendance were top directors from the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Ministry of Women Affairs. Additionally, representatives from Civil Society Organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association, the State Security Service (SSS) participated in the discussions, highlighting the broad stakeholder engagement in the project.

It is worth recalling that the State Technical Committee (STC) meeting, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Abdulsalam Sagir Muhammed also had in attendance the Managing Director of Kogi Agricultural Development Project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Director of Veterinary Services, Director of Animal Husbandry and Secretary to the Technical Committee; as well as other critical stakeholders.

To further strengthen oversight and ensure effective implementation, the Committees are scheduled to embark on a comprehensive tour of project sites from Saturday, March 15, to Monday, March 17, 2025. This assessment visit will provide first-hand insights into the progress made since the project’s inception, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce accountability in delivering tangible outcomes for the livestock sector in Kogi State.

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