The Kogi State Government has begun the rehabilitation and upgrade of nine livestock markets across the state to improve livestock productivity, market efficiency, and rural livelihoods.
The initiative is being implemented under the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, with backing from the World Bank, and is expected to address long-standing infrastructure gaps that have constrained livestock trade and animal health services.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement and official handover of the Okumi Livestock Market site in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising livestock development as part of the state’s economic and security strategy.
Dr Bolarin congratulated livestock farmers and marketers on the commencement of the project, urging them to maintain peace and unity to ensure sustained investment and development within the sector.
He also emphasised the governor’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, calling on communities to work together to curb kidnapping and banditry.
Providing an update on the project, the State Project Coordinator, Mr Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza Otaru, stated that the Kogi L-PRES Project has received World Bank approval for its designs, completed procurement processes and awarded the contract to RSA Global Investment Limited.
According to Otaru, nine livestock markets, one in each federal constituency, will be rehabilitated and upgraded within a 6 to 12-month timeline.
The markets include Okene, Osara-Ngada, Ero, Ejule, Ankpa, Sheria, Okumi, Kabba and Egbe.
He explained that the upgrades are designed to strengthen livestock productivity and resilience by addressing inadequate infrastructure.
Each market will be equipped with modern facilities, including administrative blocks, veterinary clinics, security posts, water and sanitation facilities, solar-powered street lighting, and loading and unloading ramps.
Otaru expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for the timely payment of the state’s counterpart funding, describing it as critical to the project’s smooth implementation.
He assured stakeholders that robust monitoring and supervision mechanisms have been implemented to ensure quality delivery across all sites.
Community leaders and local government officials pledged full support for the project.
The Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon Abdullahi Adamu, alongside traditional rulers, including the Ede of Banda, Alhaji Mohammed Jibril, is committed to ensuring community cooperation and security.
Similarly, the Chairman of Okumi Livestock Market, Alhaji Abubakar Sani, welcomed the project and promised that market users would support the contractor and maintain the facilities to guarantee long-term sustainability.
The contractor, represented by the Project Manager, Engr. Paul Dogo of RSA Global Investment Limited appealed for continued community support and assured stakeholders of quality and timely delivery.
The event concluded with a formal handover of the Okumi Livestock Market site, signalling the official commencement of construction activities under the Kogi L-PRES Project.
Source: Kogi Reports
