Kwara govt flags off state-wide anthrax vaccination on livestock
The Kwara State Government has flagged off a state-wide anthrax vaccination campaign to protect livestock, enhance public health, and boost the agricultural economy of Kwara.
The historic event that marked a significant stride in safeguarding livelihoods and promoting food security was flagged off in Lamba Community, Asa, local government area of the state.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, while speaking during the flag-off ceremony, emphasized the importance of vaccinating livestock to combat the deadly anthrax virus.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the governor, highlighted the importance of healthier livestock, saying this would lead to increased productivity and greater income for farmers and herders, contributing to a thriving agricultural sector.
He said, “This vaccination campaign is a bold step towards securing a healthier and more prosperous Kwara. By prioritizing livestock health, we ensure better yields, greater earnings for farmers, and a stronger agricultural economy. “
“In addition to the vaccination campaign, we have embarked on reviving the Kaiama Cattle Ranch which had been abandoned for several years, he said.
The governor also explained that the initiative would provide access to clean water and nutritious feed, setting the stage for better livestock production, adding that after the pilot project, similar plans were underway to establish over 100 hectares of pastures in every local government area of Kwara State to revamp livestock production.
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He said the initiative would not only boost livestock yields but also foster peace between farmers and herders, ensuring a sustainable future for the agricultural sector.
He acknowledged that the success of the campaign and other agricultural projects was attributed to his administration’s commitment to timely payment of the World Bank-required counterpart fund which has positioned the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRESS) project in Kwara State as a national leader in agricultural interventions.
On his part, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Abdulrazaq Jidah lauded the governor for prioritizing food security and implementing a vaccination campaign of that scale for the first time in over 20 years.
“This administration has demonstrated its dedication to creating a safer, healthier, and more hygienic Kwara. Governor AbdulRazaq is fulfilling his promises to the people,” Hon. Jidah added.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Funke Sokoya commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his visionary leadership and commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Kwara citizens. She also urged every livestock owner to ensure their animals are vaccinated when the L-PRESS team reaches their community.
Also speaking, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Abdullateef Salman Olugbon highlighted the economic benefits of the vaccination campaign, stating that it would reduce livestock mortality, increase revenue for farmers, and strengthen the State’s economy.
In his remarks, L-PRESS State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye assured stakeholders that the vaccination campaign, which commenced in Lamba Community, would reach every part of Kwara State within two weeks.
The Jowuro of Lamba, Alhaji Uthman Tijani, expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts in community development, citing the provision of water facilities and a school in his community. He pledged the community’s full support for the vaccination campaign and their commitment to peace in Kwara State.
The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic vaccination of cattle and goats by the representative of the governor, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, marking the official commencement of the campaign.
Prominent personalities at the event included Senior Special Adviser for Agriculture, Hon. Musa Baba Mohammed; Special Adviser on Security Matters, Alh. Muyideen Aliyu; Top APC Leader and member Hon. Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; Project Coordinator SAPZ, Dr. (Engr) Toyin Busari Isiaka; MD Kwara ADP, State Chairperson, Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Khadijat Ahmed; Dr. Idiat Aminu and Directors from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kwara State; Mr. Maiyaki Madu (DPFS), Mall. Umar Ahmed Mohammed (Director of Animal Husbandry), Mr Idris Jimoh (Director of Planning), and Hajia Hafsat Hussein (Director of Agric Services, among others.
