Kogi State has officially handed over the project site for the construction of a Model Veterinary Hospital, a World Bank–supported initiative designed to strengthen animal health services, improve food security, and support sustainable livelihoods.

The project, spearheaded by the Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development in collaboration with the National Coordinating Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Abuja, marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to build a more resilient and productive livestock industry.

The site handover ceremony took place at Osara, within the premises of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC), underscoring the project’s strong link to research, innovation, and youth-driven agricultural development.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, described the initiative as a historic step in repositioning Kogi’s livestock sector under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. 

He stated that the hospital would serve as a critical hub for modern veterinary care, disease control, and livestock productivity.

According to Dr Bolarin, the project reflects a strategic shift towards treating livestock farming as a key economic driver rather than a subsistence activity. 

He noted that improved animal health services would enhance meat and dairy production, protect public health, and create new employment opportunities for young professionals across veterinary science, agribusiness, and allied services.

The commissioner also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, the World Bank, and the National L-PRES Office, describing the intervention as timely and aligned with Kogi State’s broader livestock transformation agenda. 

He added that the facility is expected to strengthen climate-smart livestock practices by improving disease surveillance, reducing losses, and promoting more efficient production systems.

Once completed, the Model Veterinary Hospital is expected to serve not only Kogi State but neighbouring regions, reinforcing Nigeria’s drive towards food security, resilient agricultural systems, and inclusive economic growth.

Source: Kogi Report
Image Credit: Kogi State Gov