In a groundbreaking effort to revolutionize livestock production and promote food security in Kogi State, the state government has officially launched the Pilot Implementation of the Private Veterinary Practice (PVP) Programme.
This initiative, supported by the World Bank-Assisted L-PRES Project, addresses core gaps in Veterinary Services (PVS), including limited access to veterinary care, inadequate resources, and challenges in public and environmental health.
The programme seeks to enhance livestock production, ensure food safety, and contribute to global health.
The selection of Kogi State for the PVP Programme underscores the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, to collaborate with international organizations in driving economic growth, agricultural productivity, and citizens’ welfare.
This initiative aligns with his administration’s dedication to sustainable food security and livelihood improvement.
The government has approved the necessary support for the programme, which will be housed in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Lokoja. Under the pilot phase, 10 private veterinary practitioners will be selected from 24 profiled practitioners and will provide free veterinary services to 2,000 livestock farmers across the state under the L-PRES Project.
To facilitate this, the State Implementation Committee has procured a Hilux vehicle, 20 motorcycles, and medical consumables.
Plans are underway to procure additional medical supplies, conduct training for veterinarians and farmers, and introduce 10 electric motorcycles to promote clean energy and climate change adaptation.
During the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its unwavering support in revitalizing agriculture in Kogi State. He also commended the National Coordination Office and the management of the L-PRES Project for selecting Kogi State to host the Livestock Service Centre (LSC) at Osara. The governor urged the state to maximize the support and infrastructure provided to boost livestock production effectively.
Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, the National Project Coordinator, emphasized the importance of performance-based financing, transparency, and accountability in the programme's implementation. Hon. Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security, assured stakeholders of the committee’s commitment to the seamless execution of the programme for the benefit of livestock farmers in the state.
The launch event saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the Executive Governor, the World Bank Team led by Dr. Maneivel Sene, Dr. Chidozie Anyiro (Co-Task Team Leader), and Dr. Sanusi Abubakar (National Project Coordinator). Other attendees included key government officials, representatives of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, private veterinarians, livestock farmers, and commodity association leaders in Kogi State.
Signed:
Yahaya Shehu Ahmed
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Media
