The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a model veterinary hospital in Borno state, to address the immediate needs of livestock farmers and accelerate productivity.
The project would be implemented under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRES).
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Chinyere Akujobi, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Akujobi said the facility would provide veterinary care, serve as an emergency operation centre, offer training opportunities and support private veterinary practices.
According to her, the initiative is aimed at enhancing the resilience of the livestock sector and ensuring the well-being of animals.
Akujobi said the initiative was a follow-up to a recent visit to Maiduguri by the ministry as directed by President Bola Tinubu to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the impact of the disaster on the livestock sub-sector in the state.
She said the ministry in the course of the visit paid a courtesy call to the Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum.
“The urgency and concern expressed by President Tinubu highlights government’s commitment towards ameliorating the consequences of the disaster on the livestock industry.
“in furtherance of the president’s directive, an Expert Working Group (EWG) was set up by the ministry and accompanied her on the mission to Borno.
“The EWG includes veterinarians, animal scientists and other critical stakeholders. The assessment process will contribute valuable insights for developing effective interventions to assist the livestock sub-sector’s post-disaster recovery.
“The group is tasked with undertaking detailed, on the spot assessment of the extent of damage wreaked on the sector, while preferring immediate, short, medium and long-term measures aimed at supporting stakeholders in the livestock sub-sector,” she said.
She explained that the delegation’s interactions included meetings with the state governor, the Shehu of Borno, “who both recognised the challenges faced by the community and emphasised the importance of revitalising the livestock sector.
“The delegation was acquainted with the hardship experienced by livestock farmers, poultry producers and others in the industry while interacting with representatives from different segments of the livestock value chain.
“These stakeholders shared their stories of loss and called for government support to help them rebuild their livelihoods and sustain their families,” she said.
Akujobi said the ministry has commenced discussions with the African Development Bank (AfDB), to support the livestock sector’s recovery process in Borno.
“As efforts progress, collaboration among varied stakeholders both Federal, State and Local Governments, private sector and development partners are required to facilitate the recovery and sustainable development of the livestock industry in the state.
NAN
