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Federal Government has given approval for building of new veterinary hospital, animal boarding facility, and vaccines supply in Kwara State to check some animal diseases.
The Minister of Livestock, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated this in Ilorin, during presentation of result on Geospatial Mapping aimed at ending farmer-herder conflicts.
Kwara State Government engaged the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano, to carry out Geospatial Mapping under the Kwara Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, L-PRES project with a view to ending Farmer-herder Conflicts.
Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, represented by Richard Mbaram described the initiative as a watershed in the annals of history to find a lasting solution to the farmer-harder conflicts in the country.
He said the exercise forms a part of the 10-year (2019-2028) National Livestock Transformation Plan strategy that focuses on transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The National Coordinator for L-Press, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, commended Kwara State Government’s investments in livestock development, and pledged to continue to support the government to achieve a paradigm shift in the livestock sector.
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who received the result for geospatial mapping and took delivery of extension materials for livestock productivity enhancement, commended the research directorate of the Bayero University Kano for their dedication and professionalism throughout the exercise.
The Governor, represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salahudeen, pledged the government’s determination to implement the findings to the letter.
He also hailed the National Office of L-PRES, World Bank, the Federal Government, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called on traditional rulers, development partners, security agencies and other stakeholders to work hand-in-hand with the government to implement recommendations from the study.
According to the Governor, the findings have shed light on the drastic changes in land use and vegetation cover over the past two decades; the critical shortage and uneven distribution of functional water points; and the status of grazing corridors and the challenges posed by encroachment.
Earlier, the Director, Center for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, Professor Sanusi Muhammed explained that the study provide evidence-based platform for planning, intervention, and policy formulation for livestock development.
Professor Sanusi Muhammed called on government to use the geospatial database to prioritise water point rehabilitation and create climate-resilient watering systems.
By Abdullahi Ahmed
