EKITI L-PRES INTERVENTION BOOSTING LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION, ECONOMIC GROWTH — COMMITTEE

 

The Ekiti State Government’s intervention in the livestock sector through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) is making significant economic impact through the provision of critical infrastructure, improved extension services and support for livestock production.

The State Technical Committee of L-PRES stated this during a review of the project’s achievements in Ado-Ekiti, commending Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to transforming the livestock sector and providing infrastructure to enhance productivity, create jobs and improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers.

The Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Babatope Ojo, said the interventions under L-PRES were strengthening the livestock value chain and positioning the State to maximise the economic potential of the sector.

Ojo said the infrastructure being provided across the State would improve livestock production, processing, marketing and veterinary services, while creating opportunities for farmers, processors, youths and other stakeholders.

He added that the project aligned with the administration’s commitment to promoting food security, economic empowerment and sustainable agricultural development.

The Programme Manager, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Mr. Adegbola Bamidele, commended L-PRES for providing mobility support to Livestock Extension Advisory Practitioners (LEAPs), saying the initiative had enhanced their capacity to deliver extension services to farmers and implement project activities across the State.

Bamidele noted that effective extension services remained critical to the adoption of modern livestock production practices, disease prevention and improved productivity.

The State Project Coordinator, L-PRES, Mr. Olayinka Adedipe, said the project had recorded significant achievements through the execution of various livestock infrastructure projects across the State.

He listed the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern abattoir, Broiler Processing Plant and Commercial Cattle Market along the EKSU-Iworoko Road in Ado-Ekiti, as well as the Commercial Cattle Market at Ilasa-Ekiti.

Other interventions, according to him, include the construction of poultry estate pens in Igede-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti and Emure-Ekiti; six completed water points across the State; and the ongoing construction of a Model Veterinary Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

Adedipe also disclosed that the project had facilitated the construction of a Goat Multiplication Ranch at Erifun, Ado-Ekiti, and Farmer Field School training facilities in Ikole, Ikere and Ado-Ekiti.

He added that three climate-smart slaughter slabs had been completed in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti, while three agro-meteorological stations had been established at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Complex, Ikole-Ekiti, and Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti.

The coordinator further stated that the Veterinary Hospital in Ijero-Ekiti had been renovated as part of efforts to improve animal health services and strengthen the livestock value chain.

He explained that the interventions were strategic investments aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes, encouraging private sector participation, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economic development of the State.

Adedipe expressed optimism that the completion and effective utilisation of the facilities would further increase the contribution of the livestock sector to Ekiti’s economy.

In attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mr. Bunmi Ejimokun; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Engr. ToyinOjelabi-Pedro ; Director, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abiodun Joshua; Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Adedamola Fasoranti; Director of Agricultural Services, Engr. Ojo Olajide; Director, Animal Husbandry Services, Mr. Ogundipe Babatunde; and Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Adeleye Omolade, who served as Secretary of the committee.

Also present were members of the L-PRES Project Implementation Unit, State Technical Committee and other relevant stakeholders.