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Kogi Assembly Confirms Nomination of Dr. Olufemi Bolarin as Commissioner Designate

by Our Reporter
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Kogi State House of Assembly has screened and confirmed Dr. Olufemi Bolarin as Commissioner Designate.

 

This followed a letter by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo nominating Dr. Bolarin for screening and confirmation as Commissioner in Kogi State Government.

 

Until his appointment, Dr. Bolarin was the State Project Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

 

While addressing the Lawmakers, the Commissioner Designate promised to improve food security, enhance livestock farming and build the resilience of farmers.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for the trust reposed in him, promising to use his new Office to attract partners and investors to the Livestock subsector.

 

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar congratulated Dr. Bolarin on his appointment, urging him to add value to the State Agriculture Sector particularly Livestock Farming.

Dr. Olufemi Bolarin is an Associate Professor of Agriculture and is expected to be the pioneer Commissioner for Livestock Development, a Ministry recently established by the Governor.

 

This strategic appointment underscores the state government’s commitment to harnessing the vast potential of the livestock sector for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced food security. Dr. Bolarin, a renowned technocrat with extensive experience in agricultural research and development, is expected to bring his wealth of knowledge and expertise to bear in shaping policies and programs that will revolutionize the livestock industry in Kogi State.

 

It is worth recalling that in July 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as part of his administration’s efforts to reposition the agricultural sector and address challenges in livestock management across the country. In alignment with this federal initiative, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration has demonstrated its readiness to implement complementary strategies at the state level by creating the Ministry of Livestock Development.

 

The establishment of this ministry is seen as a proactive step to strengthen livestock institutions, enhance value chain performance, and mitigate conflicts often associated with pastoral activities. With Dr. Bolarin at the helm, the ministry is poised to deliver innovative solutions that will boost productivity, attract investments, and foster peaceful coexistence among stakeholders in the livestock sector.

 

This development has been widely commended by stakeholders in the agricultural and livestock industries, who see it as a timely intervention to unlock the state’s potential as a leading hub for livestock development in Nigeria.

About the New Commissioner

Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, an Associate Professor from the prestigious University of Ilorin, brings a wealth of academic and professional expertise to his role as the pioneer Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock Development in Kogi State. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the prestigious University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU), a Master’s degree in Agricultural Communication from OAU, and a PhD in Agriculture with a specialization in Animal Production Extension from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

 

Dr. Bolarin’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, with international experience in agriculture across countries such as Australia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya. His exposure to global best practices in livestock management uniquely positions him to lead transformative initiatives in Kogi State’s livestock sector.

 

A notable expert in livestock and dairy commodity value chains, Dr. Bolarin has significantly contributed to their development and commercialization in Nigeria. His efforts have laid the groundwork for enhanced productivity and economic growth. Notably, he served as the Team Leader for the Nigeria Livestock Census conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2006, showcasing his expertise in livestock data management and strategic planning.

 

Dr. Bolarin is also a key member of the Strategic Committee for the Establishment of Grazing Reserves and Cattle Routes in Nigeria, where he has played a vital role in addressing challenges related to grazing and pastoralist management.

 

His extensive leadership portfolio includes serving as the immediate past State Project Coordinator for the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) and the Kogi National Livestock Transformation Project (KNLTP).

 

Dr. Bolarin’s appointment as Commissioner is widely regarded as a strategic move by the Kogi State Government to revolutionize the livestock industry. His vast experience, coupled with visionary leadership, is expected to position Kogi State as a national model for livestock development and a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

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