The Chairman of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, John Taiwo says that agriculture and animal science remain the backbone of Nigeria’s food security.
According to him, there is a need for technocrats in the sector to stay proactive in ensuring the optimal production of essential food resources for the nation’s survival.
The chairman made this known during a quiz competition, themed, “Young Animal Scientist Secondary School Quiz Competition’ and organised by the association to inspire young Nigerians to embrace livestock agriculture as a career.
The competition held in Abuja offered a platform for young pupils to showcase their understanding of animal science and agriculture, a reminder that the future of agriculture rests in the curiosity of young Nigerians.
The Chairman stated that animal science is the largest sector of agriculture and the leading professional course in the field, offering diverse and impactful careers.
He told the participants that they could explore a few exciting career paths, such as animal nutritionist, genetics and breeding specialist, livestock entrepreneur (agribusiness tycoon), research scientist, and livestock extension officer, among others.
The ASAN chairman tasked the youths with the responsibilities awaiting them.
Decrying the high cost of meat in the market, he said resolving the issue of farmer-herder clashes with ranching, where the cows could be fed with better fodder, was the way to go.
Victor Egbon, director of the Department of Ruminants and Monogastric Development of the FMLD, said there were several activities on the ground to tackle Nigeria’s food situation.
He disclosed that a strategy known as the Nigerian Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy consisted of ten pillars, and one of them involved encouraging peaceful co-existence and reducing herder-farmer clashes.
