Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has approved the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, effective immediately.
This initiative aims to enhance livestock management in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, announced that the new ministry will address critical livestock issues and support sustainable development within the state’s agricultural sector. Noting that the objective is to boost productivity and create economic opportunities for farmers and stakeholders involved in livestock farming.
This development follows previous calls from the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Kogi State chapter, which, in July 2024, advocated for the establishment of such a ministry.
The NVMA emphasized the importance of appointing a qualified veterinarian as commissioner to lead the proposed ministry.
However, during the launch of the Private Veterinary Practice (PVP) program in December 2024, the NVMA reiterated the need for a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development to consolidate the gains of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project upon its completion.