Professor Foluke Eunice Sola-Ojo, a renowned animal scientist at the University of Ilorin, emphasized the crucial role of cooperation and genetic diversity in achieving food security through livestock production in Nigeria.
According to Prof. Sola, “To achieve stable food security, conservation of farm animal genetic resources must be taken beyond academic exercise.”
Sola-Ojo highlighted the importance of preserving the nation’s livestock for continuous animal protein production, particularly in Nigeria’s vast population.
She advocated for accurate data collection on livestock species and controlled usage to preserve germ plasm for future generations.
“Genetic diversity will enable the selection of superior genotypes for sustained genetic improvement,” Sola-Ojo explained.
This diversity facilitates adaptation to changing breeding objectives and increases production efficiency in livestock species.
The professor also welcomed the establishment of the new Ministry of Livestock Development, optimistic that it will bring strong policies for preserving livestock germ plasm and data banking.
This, she observed, will address challenges such as low production, restricted genetic diversity, and unsustainable breeding techniques.
Sola-Ojo’s research focuses on understanding genetic diversity, performance, and conservation of indigenous poultry in Nigeria.