ASHENEWS reports that the Niger state government has commenced a statewide livestock vaccination campaign in a bid to prevent diseases among animals and also avert their transmission to humans.
Speaking during the inauguration of the campaign at the Livestock Improvement and Breeding Centre in Tagwai Village, Niger state governor, Mohammed Bago urged stakeholders to harness the potential of the state’s livestock sector to build a brighter and more prosperous future for the state.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, underscored the importance of vaccinating animals, particularly in Niger state which is a major source of dairy production and products in Nigeria.
Encouraging livestock farmers in the state to wholeheartedly commit to the vaccination campaign, the governor noted “Your participation is crucial not only for the health and well-being of your animals but also for the overall success of our agricultural sector.
“By ensuring the health and productivity of our livestock, we are not only safeguarding our interests but also contributing to the ongoing national food security and emergency program of the Federal Government.”
To harness the potential for economic growth through the agricultural sector, the governor said that his administration’s vision for agricultural revolution and mechanization in Niger State is rooted in modernisation of farming practices.
“By embracing innovation and mechanization, we can enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and create more opportunities for our farmers,” he said.
The governor further announced that the state has released the counterpart contribution to the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) to facilitate the implementation of their activities in Niger State.
“The State Government will continue to collaborate and support the implementation of various development partner interventions in several aspects of the agricultural value chain,“ he added.
He stressed that agriculture remains a major source of income that would help the state government achieve its lofty ambitions.
In his remarks, the Niger State Commissioner for Agriculture, Musa Bawa said that the livestock industry plays a significant role in food security and the development of the overall agriculture industry.
“Niger state as one of the largest livestock industry in Nigeria comprises of 2.7 million cattle, 1.88 million sheep, 2.1 million goats and over five million local and commercially raised poultry.
“To protect this number of exposed animal populations against Animal Diseases, an annual vaccination campaign is a strategic plan to prevent over 80% of livestock from disease attack.
“Vaccination helps provide for sustainable economic stability for farmers for farmers and communities they serve. A vaccine is cost-effective, generally safe and associated with few side effects.”
Bosso therefore urged farmers to take advantage of the exercise to get their animals vaccinated.
