Kwara L-PRES champions livestock workers’ safety with intensive training
The Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has successfully conducted a training program for over one hundred livestock workers focused on occupational health and safety management, aimed at enhancing service delivery and ensuring workplace safety.
Participants from the newly created State Ministry of Livestock Development, primarily field workers in the livestock sector, engaged in the week-long training.
“The purpose of this training is to empower our participants to prioritize their safety while performing various tasks in their workplaces,” stated Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the State Commissioner for Livestock Development. She emphasized the importance of individual responsibility and proactive measures to mitigate workplace hazards.
Mrs. Thomas further affirmed the administration’s dedication to providing a safe working environment for all workers in the state, saying, “Our commitment to workers’ welfare is unwavering.”
Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, acknowledged the support of Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stating, “It is through this enabling environment that we can undertake such vital training that enhances the knowledge of our workers regarding the risks they face daily.”
Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, Project Coordinator for Kwara L-PRES, highlighted the numerous hazards that livestock workers encounter, including animal attacks and zoonotic diseases. “It’s crucial that our staff are well-prepared to navigate these risks safely,” he remarked.
The lead facilitator of the training, Mr. Vincent Okonkwo, Chief Executive Officer of First Accentric Consulting Limited, explained that the workshop aims to elevate occupational health and safety standards in the livestock sector. “Our objective is to ensure that livestock workers are adequately protected from zoonotic diseases and other related hazards,” he said.
Representatives of the participants, Dr. Muftaudeen Oyewo and Mrs. Mujidat Raji, expressed their appreciation, stating, “This training is essential for our efficiency and comes at a crucial time for our work.”
The intensive training program commenced on Monday, May 12, and will conclude on Friday, May 16, 2025, further highlighting the State Government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and welfare of its workforce.
