Clarion Olusegun
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, has called on veterinary professionals to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize service delivery in the livestock sector, while highlighting the role of AI in enhancing animal disease surveillance.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Congress in Jos, yesterday, Dr. Akujobi highlighted the role of AI in enhancing disease surveillance, livestock management, and overall productivity.
According to her, the theme of the congress emphasised the critical role of technology in advancing national food security and economic growth.
Her words: “ The theme of this year’s congress; “A Century of Veterinary Service Delivery: Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence in National Food Security,” underscores the critical role technology plays in advancing our sector. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize our approach to veterinary service delivery. From enhancing disease surveillance to optimizing livestock management, AI can revolutionize veterinary practices.
“I therefore encourage you to explore these innovations and leverage them to improve national food security.”
Dr. Akujobi also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to improve livestock health, increase productivity, and resolve farmer-herder conflicts through the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to pioneer the newly established ministry, reaffirming her commitment to advancing the livestock sector for national food security and rural economic growth.
She said: “I wish to seize this opportunity to once more express my gratitude to His Excellency President Bola Tinubu GCFR for the vision of establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
“As you are aware, the Ministry of Livestock Development was established by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on the 9th of July 2024 to address longstanding challenges in the livestock sector; increase livestock production & productivity, improve animal health & food safety and facilitate expeditious resolution of farmer-herders’ conflicts.
“This significant initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing livestock production and productivity and improving the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians involved in livestock farming.
“ I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as the Pioneer Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. This role is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the important role veterinarians play in ensuring the health and welfare of our livestock population, which is vital for food security and economic growth of our nation.
“ I look forward to working closely with the Association, other professionals, the private sector and relevant stakeholders to advance the mandate of the Ministry and foster sustainable development in the livestock sector.
“Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem for our farmers, increase productivity, and ensure that our livestock industry meets the challenges of the future.”
The PS further encouraged collaboration between government, research institutions, and the private sector to unlock AI’s potential in the sector, noting that innovation and partnerships will be essential for sustainable development.
In her words: “As a Ministry we believe that collaboration between government, research institutions, and the private sector will be key to unlocking opportunities in the use of AI in veterinary service delivery.
“Together, we can drive research, foster innovation, and develop the necessary infrastructure to effectively implement AI solutions in our livestock sector.
“Let us use this congress as a platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will propel our veterinary services into a new era of efficiency and effectiveness.
“I encourage all participants to engage actively in discussions, explore the vast potential of AI, and envision a future where our livestock sector thrives, bolstering not only national food security but also rural livelihoods and economic growth.” She added.