The Federal Government has called on stakeholders to expedite the implementation of livestock improvement programs across Nigeria.
During a two-day livestock production stakeholders’ engagement held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), commended Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his efforts and commitment to enhancing livestock production in the state.
The event focused on the implementation of a $500 million World Bank project by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to improve productivity, commercialization, and resilience of the livestock value chain.
Sanusi Abubakar, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, spoke with journalists after a field trip to Fashola Farm Settlement in Oyo town.
He said, “The project is a continuation of the implementation support mission, having been to other states like Bauchi, Gombe, and Enugu.”
Abubakar continued, “We have the mandate of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, to expedite the implementation of this livestock program in Nigeria. That’s why we’re going around for the implementation mission.”
He expressed his satisfaction with Fashola Farm, a renowned center for livestock breeding and commercialization established in 1968. “We are impressed with what’s happening here,” he said.
“They are training stakeholders on artificial insemination, livestock management, and pastures. Thankfully, Oyo State is participating in this project, and we’re here to see how we can support them.”
Abubakar highlighted the enabling environment provided by the Oyo state government for investors in livestock production.
“This is what we encourage because when you create a conducive environment, investors and funds will come to our nation generally.”
“The Oyo State model of livestock production is similar to the livestock service centers where a lot of activity in livestock production and commercialization is taking place,” he added.
“Oyo State is one of the states that have joined the project, and I think they can further enhance this place and move forward.”
The State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Kola Kazeem, explained that the project implementation team’s mission is to support Oyo State in livestock production and development. He said, “The team from 16 states of the country came to the state to witness what Governor Seyi Makinde has embarked on in agricultural production and agribusiness development.”
Kazeem emphasized the significance of Fashola Farms, noting that “when we talk of livestock centers, you cannot find this kind of arrangement anywhere else.” He called it a signature project for Oyo State and a model for other states to emulate.
He urged investors to take advantage of the favorable environment provided by the state government, highlighting the “one region, one Agric hub” policy under the Seyi Makinde administration.
Speaking further, he mentioned the establishment of additional agricultural hubs in other zones of the state.
The Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Dr. Debo Akande, spoke about the state’s immense potential in livestock production.
He said the L-PRES project is prepared to support the state government’s efforts to revitalize the livestock rearing value chain, encompassing not just cattle but also poultry, piggery, and other sectors.
“We are bringing back the glory of livestock production in Oyo State,” Akande said. “The project will have a major impact on the agricultural value chain, especially in the livestock industry, in the short, medium, and long term.”
He assured that the state government, with the support of L-PRES and the World Bank, would address the challenges faced by livestock farmers in the state. Akande advocated for the inclusion of young men and women in the agricultural sector, believing it will contribute to the project’s sustainability.
The L-PRES project, with the support of the World Bank, will create an enabling environment for investors in Oyo State’s livestock value chain, including the provision of infrastructure.
