From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has commenced the rehabilitation and upgrade of nine livestock markets across the state under the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES) Project. The initiative aims to strengthen livestock productivity, improve market infrastructure, and enhance resilience within the sector.The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, disclosed this over the weekend during a stakeholders’ engagement and official handover of the project site at the Okumi Livestock Market in Lokoja. He described the intervention as a major boost for livestock farmers and marketers across the state.
Dr. Bolarin congratulated livestock stakeholders on the project and urged them to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence within the markets. According to him, a stable and secure environment is essential to attracting further government and private-sector investments into the livestock value chain. He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to developing the livestock sector and for prioritizing the security of lives and property in Kogi State. The commissioner called for collective action against kidnapping and banditry, noting that insecurity poses a major threat to agricultural and livestock development.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of Kogi L-PRES, Mr. Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza Otaru, said the project had secured World Bank approval for its design and successfully completed the procurement process. He confirmed that the contract for the rehabilitation and upgrade had been awarded to RSA Global Investment Limited. Mr. Otaru explained that the handover of sites to the contractor marked the formal commencement of construction activities. He added that the project, which is expected to be completed within six to twelve months, is designed to address long-standing challenges related to inadequate livestock market infrastructure.
According to the SPC, the rehabilitation will cover one livestock market in each federal constituency in the state. The selected markets include Okene, Osara-Ngada, Ero, Ejule, Ankpa, Sheria, Okumi, Kabba, and Egbe livestock markets.
He noted that each upgraded market will be equipped with modern facilities such as administrative blocks, veterinary clinics, security posts, water supply systems, toilet facilities, solar-powered street lights, and loading and unloading ramps. These improvements, he said, will enhance efficiency, hygiene, and safety within the markets.Mr. Otaru expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the prompt payment of the state’s counterpart funding, describing it as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector.
He urged livestock marketers and host communities to give full cooperation to the contractor to ensure smooth project execution. He also encouraged them to take ownership of the facilities upon completion and maintain them to guarantee long-term sustainability. The Chairman of Okumi Livestock Market, Alhaji Abubakar Sani, commended the Kogi L-PRES Project for selecting Okumi as one of the project sites. He pledged the full support of market stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of RSA Global Investment Limited, Engr. Paul Dogo, appealed for community support and adequate security. He assured stakeholders of quality workmanship and timely delivery of the project.
