The Kogi State Government has officially transferred the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development to strengthen the state’s agricultural base and boost livestock productivity.
The handover ceremony, held in Lokoja during the Kogi L-PRES State Steering Committee meeting, was to improve livestock production, animal health, and value-chain development, key areas for driving food security and rural prosperity.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, outgoing Steering Committee Chairman, praised President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to create the Ministry of Livestock Development, noting that the move addresses long-standing challenges in the livestock sector and recurring farmer–herder conflicts.
He urged the State Project Coordinating Office to strengthen partnerships with the new ministry and other key stakeholders to ensure the project’s objectives are achieved.
In his acceptance speech, Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his visionary leadership in establishing the ministry.
He explained that the decision ensures a more focused and coordinated approach to livestock agribusiness and climate-smart farming.
“This strategic move will consolidate policies, enhance coordination, and drive key programmes such as ranch development, animal health services, and infrastructure support to livestock clusters,” Dr Bolarin said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building partnerships that would position Kogi as a model for livestock development in West Africa, which is in line with the governor’s vision for a sustainable and productive agricultural sector.
Also speaking at the event, Commissioners for Environment and Water Resources, Hon. Olusegun Joseph and Engr. Yahaya Farouk stressed the importance of synergy among committee members to ensure the state achieves its goal of becoming Nigeria’s agricultural hub.
They called for sustained collaboration to prevent policy gaps and ensure the smooth implementation of the L-PRES Project, which remains vital for rural development and youth employment.
In his welcome address, Kogi L-PRES Project Coordinator Mr Abdulkabir Otaru noted that the project has already made significant progress in livestock productivity, commercialisation, and resilience.
He commended the committee’s support and thanked the governor for his commitment, particularly through timely payment of counterpart funds and support for infrastructure and training initiatives.
Otaru revealed that the World Bank has approved several sub-projects for implementation, including training, capacity building, and infrastructure development to strengthen livestock farming across the state.
Other key committee members present included representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Budget Planning, Women Affairs, livestock farmers, and other stakeholders.
The event concluded with the formal handover of official documents from the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security to the Commissioner for Livestock Development, symbolising the project’s transition and the state’s dedication to advancing sustainable livestock agriculture.
Source: Kogi Report
