L-PRES NPC Expresses Satisfaction With Plans By Govt. for Proposed Establishment of Livestock Service Centre

The National Project Coordinator of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES), Alh. Abubakar Sanusi has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation on the side of Kogi State Government for the proposed site for Livestock Service Centre.

Alh. Abubakar made the remark while briefing Newsmen shortly after an assessment tour of the proposed site at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara.

Gov. Ododo Solicits More Support For Kogi L-PRES Project

The National Project Coordinator said he was impressed with the Leadership quality of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojomah and the State L-PRES team, saying the introduction of mechanised farming in the State is in line with the renewed hope agenda.

He said the Livestock Service Centre when completed will improve productivity and commercialisation of livestock value chain.

L-PRES NPC and Kogi SPC after a visit to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the Government House, Lokoja.

“Livestock Service Centre is like a mini complex having a lot of livestock activities going on. We have veterinary clinic, processing facilities, abattoir, market for selling livestocks, training of livestock farmers.

“We have provisions to establish 5 Livestock Service Centres and we want to assess the States, Kogi has shown interest that they want to establish the Centre, making it 12 States that have shown interest. We are here in Kogi on assessment and report back,” he added.

While urging the people of the State to embrace race the Project, Alh. Abubakar added that the L-PRES project will reduce the menace of farmers herders clashes

The Kogi State Project Coordinator of L-PRES Dr Olufemi Bolarin said about $31.2milllion has been earmarked for the development of Livestock Service Centre.

“The Kogi Livestock Service Centre will significantly contribute to the economic development of Kogi State by creating jobs, enhancing productivity and fostering sustainable practices. This project will not only boost livestock sector but also catalyze broader economic growth and development in the region”.

According to him, the Centre when completed will be a premier hub for livestock innovation and development, noting that the Centre is strategically positioned to enhance market access, support industrial synergy, and foster academic excellence.

” Kogi Livestock Service Centre will deliver comprehensive livestock services that drive economic growth and development in Kogi State by leveraging strategic market proximity, industrial collaboration, and academic expertise.

“We are committed to providing unparalleled technical assistance, facilitating market access, and promoting sustainable livestock practices, contributing to the overall advancement of Nigeria’s livestock sector” he stated.

Earlier, the Kogi State Commissioner for agriculture and food security Timothy Ojoma said the present administration remains committed in ensuring food security in the State.

While expressing optimism that Kogi State will be among the State’s that will get approval for the establishment of Livestock Service Centre, Ojoma argued that the State is safe for investment. “You will recall that there was an incident that happened in this school were 31 student were kidnapped.

“29 of them were rescued unhurt, while unfortunately, we lost two. The sponsors of this kidnappers can not leave to tell the story because they were delt with decisively for their evil act.

“We have had cases where students were kidnapped for more than eight years and nothing has been heard about them. Kogi State Government who are all always on top of it game in security swung into action to rescue this kidnapped victims”

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu expressed delight over the location of the Centre in the Institution, saying it was coming at the right time that the National Universities Commission approved Faculty of Agriculture programme for the School.

Prof. Salawu promised maximum support from the University to the project, assuring of the prudent management of any resources provided.

The NPC and his team also commissioned a solar powered borehole at the Livestock Market in Zango, Adavi Local Government Area and farm field school at the School of Engineering, Kogi State Polytechnic Itakpe.