Governor Ododo Flags Off Private Veterinary Practice Programme in Kogi State, Commits to Boosting Livestock Farming*
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
December 5, 2024
Lokoja, Kogi State
Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the Private Veterinary Practice Programme (PVP) in the state, aiming to ensure the consumption of safe and healthy livestock.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the Glass House, Government House Lokoja recently, Governor Ododo urged critical stakeholders in the Agriculture sector to collaborate and ensure the success of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in the state.
The governor emphasized the crucial role of livestock farming in achieving food security and driving industrialization in Kogi State. He pledged his administration’s full cooperation with stakeholders in the food value chain to achieve large-scale livestock farming.
Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to the World Bank team for their support, particularly in establishing the Livestock Service Centre in the state. He assured that the state is committed to taking full advantage of the project for the benefit of its people.
The Task Team Leader, L-PRES Project, World Bank, Dr. Manievel Sene, noted that the project’s implementation in Kogi is on track. He urged the State Implementation Committee and project leadership to work diligently to ensure the project’s impact on the people’s lives.
Mr. Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator L-PRES Project, highlighted Kogi’s lead role in implementing the project nationwide. He emphasized the importance of the Private Veterinary Practice (PVP) Programme in strengthening veterinary practice in the state.
The programme’s involvement of private veterinarians is crucial, as only 15% of Nigeria’s over 11,000 veterinary doctors work with the government. The project aims to ensure value for money, strict compliance with implementation strategies, and transparency in all expenditures.
If properly implemented, the project is expected to revolutionize veterinary service delivery, value chain development, and enhance food security in the state. As part of the project’s commitment, a Hilux vehicle, 20 motorcycles, and consumables were provided for private veterinary doctors
With the flag-off of the Private Veterinary Practice Programme, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has once again demonstrated his commitment to transforming Kogi State’s agricultural sector.
