By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing livestock productivity and resilience across the state.
This was emphasized during the State Technical Committee (STC) meeting of L-PRES held on Tuesday in Lokoja.
Speaking at the meeting, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza Otaru, commended committee members for their dedication to ensuring the smooth implementation of L-PRES initiatives in Kogi State.
Otaru explained that the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, address emerging challenges, and design effective strategies to achieve the project’s objectives.
He noted that the World Bank–funded L-PRES project aims to modernize livestock production systems, improve animal health, strengthen market access, and support sustainable livelihood opportunities for livestock farmers — all geared towards achieving food safety and security.
Highlighting the project’s achievements, Otaru said Kogi L-PRES had surpassed the performance of the previous three years within just one year. He added that the World Bank had approved the rehabilitation of nine livestock markets across the state.
Other achievements include the construction of Phase I of the Livestock Service Centre (LSC) at Osara, the establishment of a Model Veterinary Hospital, mapping of grazing reserves and stock routes, procurement of 21 motorcycles for livestock extension agents, and several capacity-building trainings for farmers and stakeholders.
Otaru assured that all sub-projects would commence immediately after the completion of procurement processes and award of contracts.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for supporting the timely payment of the state counterpart funds required for the implementation of L-PRES activities.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Abdulsalam Hadi, represented by Mr. Isah Jimoh, Director of Animal Husbandry Services, commended the teamwork and dedication of committee members, the State Coordination Office, and development partners.
He emphasized that the project would significantly improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers and promote sustainable livestock production systems in Kogi State.
Dr. Hadi urged participants to share innovative ideas and adopt actionable resolutions that would strengthen project implementation and ensure measurable impact.
The meeting’s highlight was the review of the 2025 Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) and the official handover of the L-PRES project from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development as its parent ministry.
