The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), on Tuesday, inaugurated a primary animal health centre in Ibadan, Oyo, to enhance delivery of quality animal healthcare services.
The facility would also enhance campaign against zoonoses and epuzootic diseases.
The centre established by the ministry has been handed over to the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the centre was designed to boost capacity of the college to enhance delivery of quality animal healthcare services for the populace.
Represented by Dr Kakulu Omonele, FMARD Coordinator in the state, Umakhihe said the centre would also provide enabling ground for graduates of the college to enable them to compete favourably in their chosen career.
According to Umakhihe, the handover of the facility to the college will ensure proper management, effective utilisation and sustainability.
“Please ensure that all proper management procedure is put in place and documented appropriately.
“FMARD is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring an enabling learning and working environment for both the students of the college and workers as well.
“The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria as one of the colleges under the coverage of the ministry has benefited from various infrastructural facilities like other institutions in Nigeria.
“Dear beneficiaries, sustainability of this infrastructure facility should be a collective effort by ensuring that proper management is upheld,” he said.
He further pledged the continued support of the ministry to the college.
Also speaking, the Provost of the College, Dr Adekoya Owosunbo lauded the gesture, adding that it would assist towards ensuring effective training of the students in the areas of animal health and technology.
He said the facility would also impact on the immediate community in mitigating animal diseases and encourage research in the college.
The provost pledged to ensure proper utilisation of the facility to serve its the purpose.
