The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has marked a significant achievement in Nigeria’s agricultural sector with the graduation of a new set of Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VPPs) under its initiative, “Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs.”
The graduation ceremony, hosted at the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, represents an important stride in enhancing veterinary services and improving rural livelihoods.
In his keynote address, the FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, emphasized the importance of the “Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs” project in driving agricultural progress and rural development across the country.
He expressed gratitude to partners whose support made the initiative possible, including Murtala Dabo, Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture; Prof. Bashir Babaji, representing the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University; and Prof. Aliyu Wakawa, Provost of the College of Agriculture and Animal Science.
Dr. Gadain underscored the critical role of livestock in Nigeria’s food security and rural livelihoods while acknowledging the ongoing challenge of limited access to quality veterinary care, particularly in underserved communities. He noted that the VPP project was designed to close this gap by providing paraprofessionals with both hands-on expertise and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to deliver affordable, timely, and reliable animal health services.
“Today’s graduation is not only a personal milestone for each participant but also a strategic investment in strengthening livestock-based livelihoods nationwide,” he remarked.
He praised the graduates for acquiring vital skills in disease prevention, herd health management, and animal husbandry, all within a sustainable and ethical framework. According to him, linking technical training with entrepreneurship is key to ensuring long-term impact in the agricultural sector. “By equipping graduates with business acumen alongside veterinary competencies, we are preparing them to serve their communities effectively while building viable enterprises,” he said.
Dr. Gadain further highlighted that extending veterinary services to remote areas would protect livestock assets, boost household incomes, and build resilience in food systems against shocks. He reaffirmed that the VPP initiative reflects FAO’s commitment to better production, improved nutrition, a healthier environment, and ultimately, better living standards for all.
The ceremony concluded with a collective call to sustain partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s livestock sector, enhancing rural economies, and ensuring lasting food security despite ongoing challenges.
