The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Kogi State chapter, has warned that patronizing quacks endangers both animals and humans, as wrong treatments drive antimicrobial resistance and food safety risks.
Dr Tolu Samuel Omotugba, NVMA Kogi Chairman, issued the warning while speaking after a road walk on Saturday in Lokoja, to mark World Veterinary Day 2026 themed, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health”.
“If a quack treats your dog incorrectly, you can lose your pet. If a quack visits your poultry or livestock farm and administers the wrong antibiotic or an overdose, it can trigger antimicrobial resistance.
“That resistance ultimately affects human health because we consume animal products,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to consult certified veterinarians at the first sign of sickness in animals and pets.
“Avoid quacks. We have documented cases where quacks complicated animal health issues and endangered the human population.”
Dr Omotugba said the association has shut down several outlets operated by quacks, secured arrests, and prosecuted offenders.
He added that the Kogi NVMA would meet drug vendors April 29 to enforce regulations and standards requiring licensed vets to work with sellers.
“We use this opportunity to warn those without training or expertise to stay away from treating or injecting animals. They should find other vocations,” he said.
Dr Omotugba also called for better welfare and urgent recruitment of more vets into the civil service, saying fewer than 10,000 veterinarians serve over 200 million Nigerians.
Omotugba said vets are overstretched despite safeguarding food safety and public health.
“Nigeria has fewer than 10,000 veterinarians serving over 200 million citizens. A veterinarian essentially puts his life on the line for the rest of the country,” he said.
He said Kogi vets report to abattoirs by 5:30 a.m. daily to certify meat and milk, but face poor labs and welfare.
The association appealed to Gov. Ahmed Ododo to approve a N300,000 monthly stipend already paid to medical doctors.
“The Governor assured us he would approve it. We are still looking forward to that approval,” he said.
Dr Omotugba praised colleagues for “rising by 6am daily to inspect abattoirs” and “standing guard so animal diseases do not cross over to humans.”
“To every veterinarian: thank you for your sacrifice. The nation eats safe and stays healthy because you do your job. Happy World Veterinary Day,” he said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Livestock Development Dr Olufemi Bolarin, commended veterinarians and animal health workers for their dedication despite “challenging conditions.”
He described the veterinarians as “true guardians of food and health” and urged farmers, private sector players, and development partners to collaborate for a safer livestock industry.
“Veterinarians stand at the frontline of disease prevention. Their expertise is essential in combating zoonotic diseases and ensuring safe, wholesome food,” he said.
He said the Gov. Ahmed Ododo administration has prioritised animal health services, mass vaccination, capacity building, and stronger surveillance.
“Healthy animals lead to healthy people and a stronger economy,” Bolarin noted.
He disclosed that Notra Tractor Denmark and the Arab Consortium, Cairo, Egypt, plan to set up a Model Livestock City in Kogi, with support expected for World Veterinary Day 2027.
He assured that the state would sponsor at least 10 veterinarians to the NVMA annual conference and reactivate neglected livestock control posts, he announced.
The NVMA members walked from Ganaja Flyover through Zenith Bank Junction and Government House to the Ministry of Livestock Development in Lokoja.
End
Lokoja, April 25, 2026
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Kogi State chapter, has warned that patronizing quacks endangers both animals and humans, as wrong treatments drive antimicrobial resistance and food safety risks.
Dr Tolu Samuel Omotugba, NVMA Kogi Chairman, issued the warning while speaking after a road walk on Saturday in Lokoja, to mark World Veterinary Day 2026 themed, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health”.
“If a quack treats your dog incorrectly, you can lose your pet. If a quack visits your poultry or livestock farm and administers the wrong antibiotic or an overdose, it can trigger antimicrobial resistance.
“That resistance ultimately affects human health because we consume animal products,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to consult certified veterinarians at the first sign of sickness in animals and pets.
“Avoid quacks. We have documented cases where quacks complicated animal health issues and endangered the human population.”
Dr Omotugba said the association has shut down several outlets operated by quacks, secured arrests, and prosecuted offenders.
He added that the Kogi NVMA would meet drug vendors April 29 to enforce regulations and standards requiring licensed vets to work with sellers.
“We use this opportunity to warn those without training or expertise to stay away from treating or injecting animals. They should find other vocations,” he said.
Dr Omotugba also called for better welfare and urgent recruitment of more vets into the civil service, saying fewer than 10,000 veterinarians serve over 200 million Nigerians.
Omotugba said vets are overstretched despite safeguarding food safety and public health.
“Nigeria has fewer than 10,000 veterinarians serving over 200 million citizens. A veterinarian essentially puts his life on the line for the rest of the country,” he said.
He said Kogi vets report to abattoirs by 5:30 a.m. daily to certify meat and milk, but face poor labs and welfare.
The association appealed to Gov. Ahmed Ododo to approve a N300,000 monthly stipend already paid to medical doctors.
“The Governor assured us he would approve it. We are still looking forward to that approval,” he said.
Dr Omotugba praised colleagues for “rising by 6am daily to inspect abattoirs” and “standing guard so animal diseases do not cross over to humans.”
“To every veterinarian: thank you for your sacrifice. The nation eats safe and stays healthy because you do your job. Happy World Veterinary Day,” he said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Livestock Development Dr Olufemi Bolarin, commended veterinarians and animal health workers for their dedication despite “challenging conditions.”
He described the veterinarians as “true guardians of food and health” and urged farmers, private sector players, and development partners to collaborate for a safer livestock industry.
“Veterinarians stand at the frontline of disease prevention. Their expertise is essential in combating zoonotic diseases and ensuring safe, wholesome food,” he said.
He said the Gov. Ahmed Ododo administration has prioritised animal health services, mass vaccination, capacity building, and stronger surveillance.
“Healthy animals lead to healthy people and a stronger economy,” Bolarin noted.
He disclosed that Notra Tractor Denmark and the Arab Consortium, Cairo, Egypt, plan to set up a Model Livestock City in Kogi, with support expected for World Veterinary Day 2027.
He assured that the state would sponsor at least 10 veterinarians to the NVMA annual conference and reactivate neglected livestock control posts, he announced.
The NVMA members walked from Ganaja Flyover through Zenith Bank Junction and Government House to the Ministry of Livestock Development in Lokoja.
End
