The Kogi State Government has officially handed over the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to a newly established Ministry of Livestock Development. This is a significant move that signals the State’s commitment to bolstering its agricultural sector.
Timothy Ojomah, Commissioner for Agriculture, while speaking during the hand-over ceremony that was held on Monday in Lokoja during the meeting of Kogi L-PRES State Steering Committee, underscored the State’s dedication to enhancing livestock production and its associated value chains, commending the initiative by President Bola Tinubu to create the Ministry of Livestock Development which aims to address the lingering constraints in the livestock sector and farmers/herders conflicts in the Country.
Ojomah noted that the Steering Committee members had been working and collaborating together towards the implementation of L-PRES Project in the State.
He, however, stressed the need for State Project Coordinating Office to build stronger synergies and collaborations with the mother Ministry and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the objectives and goals of the project are achieved.
In his acceptance speech, Olufemi Bolarin, Commissioner for Livestock Development, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his visionary leadership in creating the Ministry of Livestock Development , noting that the strategic decision, aims to focus attention on livestock production, animal health, and value -chain development- critical areas with substantial potential for ensuring food security, generating employment, and fostering rural prosperity in Kogi State.
He said, “The L-PRES Project’s transition to the Ministry of Livestock Development aligns with best practices, ensuring focused attention on livestock agribusiness development initiatives”.
He pointed out that the move would consolidate policies, enhance coordination and drive programmes like ranch development, animal health services, infrastructural support to the livestock value chain clusters as he pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to position Kogi State as a West African model for livestock development.
He emphasised partnership and continuity, thanking the contributors and affirming the Ministry’s commitment to Governor Ododo’s vision for a productive and sustainable livestock sector in the State.
