Kwara State has taken the spotlight among states participating in the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project after emerging first in the final nationwide performance review.
The outcome followed an independent evaluation carried out by the National Coordination Office working with the World Bank. Findings were captured in the LPRES States Performance Assessment and Ranking Report, which reviewed activities across 20 states implementing the project.
A statement from the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development, released to journalists on Thursday, explained that the appraisal relied on strict performance benchmarks consistent with World Bank requirements. Areas examined included coordination among institutions, management of project funds, compliance with environmental and social safeguards, security arrangements, quality of reporting and the delivery of expected results.
Officials of the ministry linked the strong showing to the policy direction of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noting that his administration placed priority on agricultural growth, maintained policy stability and ensured the prompt release of counterpart funding. According to the ministry, these steps created the conditions needed for smooth execution of the project.
The report also pointed to the active involvement of the state government and the supervisory role of the Ministry of Livestock Development as key factors behind the result, citing effective leadership and consistent oversight throughout the implementation process.
Reacting to the ranking, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Adebayo Thomas, described the recognition as proof of the state’s emphasis on accountability and efficiency in managing development initiatives.
She said the assessment confirmed that systems established by the state were delivering results, particularly in strengthening the livestock sector and ensuring resources were applied transparently for the benefit of participants along the value chain.
The State Project Coordinator, Olusoji Oyawoye, also credited the achievement to collaboration among implementing teams and strict compliance with project guidelines. He added that the performance places Kwara State in a reference position for other states executing World Bank assisted programmes.
The LPRES initiative is designed to boost livestock productivity, improve resilience and enhance value chain outcomes. In Kwara State, interventions under the project have included pasture improvement, better animal health services, expanded market opportunities and support for farmers, processors, women and young entrepreneurs.
The state government expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the World Bank, development partners and community stakeholders whose contributions supported the successful outcome. It further pledged to maintain high standards, expand impact and build on the progress already recorded under the LPRES programme in line with national goals and global best practices.
