Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the livestock sector by investing in essential infrastructure and equipment aimed at improving the welfare of the state’s citizens.
This was disclosed during the opening ceremony of a training workshop organized for the third batch of 100 extension agents and farmers. The workshop focused on small ruminant production and processing crop residue for more efficient utilization by ruminants. In addition, the event marked the official flag-off of distributing crop residue crushers and pelleting machines to livestock farmers.
The workshop, held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) in Idofian, Kwara State, was facilitated by Synergy Impact Consultant Limited and the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Kano, in conjunction with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).
Represented by Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Governor Abdulrazaq highlighted various challenges facing the livestock sector, including the adverse effects of climate change, disease outbreaks, and the lack of access to essential resources and markets. He noted that building the capacity of farmers and livestock extension agents is crucial to overcoming these obstacles and unlocking the sector’s full potential in Kwara State.
Our aim is to empower farmers with the tools and expertise they need to address the problems they face, in order to boost their livestock management skills and overall productivity.
In a statement issued by Yusuf Ganiyu, the project’s communication and ICT officer, the governor underscored the importance of developing the livestock sector to meet the increasing demands of the populace while ensuring environmental sustainability.
“Our livestock sector must evolve to meet the demands of our growing population while being mindful of environmental sustainability. By implementing best practices in animal husbandry, we can ensure healthier livestock, improved yields, and reduced environmental impact,” he said.
According to the governor, the comprehensive initiative under the L-PRES project focuses on advancing livestock management through training, education, and sustainable practices, empowering farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of agriculture.
He expressed optimism that the training would not only enhance livestock management expertise but also improve the efficiency of extension agents, ultimately enhancing the state’s economy and the livelihoods of its people.
During the flag-off of the crop residue processing equipment distribution, Abdulrazaq highlighted the purpose of this initiative as a major step toward realizing the state’s livestock sector’s full potential. He stressed that the equipment would enhance feed processing efficiency, directly benefiting farmers in terms of productivity and economic gains.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Abdulrasaq Jiddah, urged the workshop participants to seize the opportunity provided by the training and utilize the knowledge and resources acquired to enhance the state’s economic growth.
The training’s Lead facilitator Akeem Ajeigbe commended the governor’s support for the success of the training program, encouraging participants to make the most of the opportunity and apply the knowledge to address the state’s livestock sector’s challenges.
Earlier, State Project Coordinator Olusoji Oyawoye expressed gratitude to Governor Abdulrazaq, the World Bank, and the National L-PRES Office for creating an enabling environment for the project. He noted that with the knowledge gained from the training and the government’s support, participants are now poised to become job creators in the state’s livestock sector.
In a show of appreciation, Abdulkareem Shukurat and Akani Tajudeen, speaking on behalf of the participants, thanked the governor for empowering them to become self-reliant and potential job creators.