The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Kogi State Chapter, has commended the administration of Governor Usman Ododo for his significant contributions to livestock development in the state.
The praise was delivered by the chapter’s chairman, Dr. Omotugba Tolu Samuel, during the launch of the Private Veterinary Practice (PVP) program in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Dr. Omotugba urged the governor to establish a Ministry of Livestock Development to sustain the gains of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project after its completion.
He emphasized that Kogi State is the first in Nigeria to implement the PVP program, which is a performance-based initiative aimed at enhancing veterinary services.
He also commended Governor Ododo for his dedication to veterinarians’ welfare, particularly the prompt implementation of the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) in 2024.
The event featured notable dignitaries, including the Task-Team Leader of the L-PRES Project, World Bank Abuja, Dr. Manievel Sene; Co-Task-Team Leader, Dr. Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro; and the National Project Coordinator, Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar.
Dr. Khalid Mohammed, NVMA Publicity Secretary, highlighted the PVP program’s goal to support 10 private veterinarians in providing free veterinary services to 2,000 livestock and poultry farmers across Kogi State.
To facilitate the program, Governor Ododo presented 20 motorcycles, one Hilux vehicle, veterinary medications, and consumables to the participating veterinarians, marking the start of the empowerment initiative.