The Federal Government have inaugurated new animal artificial insemination and veterinary care centres in Sokoto, signalling renewed efforts to strengthen animal health, improve productivity and expand rural economic opportunities.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, unveiled the facilities on Thursday, as part of a broader strategy to modernise animal husbandry practices and build a more resilient livestock value chain across the country.
Maiha described the centres as strategic interventions designed to improve access to quality veterinary services, diagnostics and infrastructure, particularly for smallholder livestock farmers.
According to him, the remodelled veterinary hospital will enhance animal health management and support sustainable livestock production systems.
As part of the initiative, the minister also launched a national mass vaccination programme for livestock, preventing the spread of animal diseases, improving herd health and increasing the economic value of livestock assets.
He noted that healthier animals translate into higher productivity, better incomes for farmers and improved food security.
The minister stated that the projects form part of the Federal Government’s plan to reposition the livestock subsector, align interventions with national development priorities and empower rural communities, especially in the North-West and other livestock-producing regions.
He added that the centres would be integrated into a nationwide network to support commercial livestock systems, disease control and long-term agricultural growth.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, welcomed the federal intervention, describing it as a timely complement to the state’s ongoing agricultural reforms.
He expressed optimism that improved livestock services would create jobs, attract youth into agribusiness, and strengthen food security in the region.
Aliyu also highlighted the state government’s efforts to address insecurity and banditry, noting that restoring stability remains critical to reviving livestock production and sustaining rural livelihoods.
Source: People Gazette
