L-PRES, stakeholders seek inclusive policy for livestock growth in Kwara
The Kwara State Government has restated its commitment to transforming the livestock sector into an economically viable and environmentally sustainable enterprise, as it convened a stakeholders’ engagement on livestock development in Ilorin.
Held at E-Phoenix Hotel, the session was organised by the State Ministry of Livestock Development and brought together representatives from federal and state governments, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), researchers, private investors, Fulani community leaders, and livestock value chain operators.
Declaring the event open, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, represented by the Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Mallam Umar Ahmed Mohammed, said the forum was aimed at creating actionable pathways for revamping the livestock industry in the state. She acknowledged the challenges plaguing the sector and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in formulating inclusive and strategic solutions.
Mrs. Thomas highlighted key achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration, including the establishment of milk collection centres, feed mills, animal handling and veterinary facilities, and water supply infrastructure along stock routes. She praised the impact of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in boosting economic livelihoods within the livestock value chain.
Participants were urged to contribute meaningfully to discussions to ensure the development of a robust action plan that supports food security and livestock production in the state.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Strategy to the Governor, Hon. Atiku Abdulsalam, said the session demonstrated the administration’s inclusive governance style and support for livestock farmers and pastoralists. He called for greater private-sector participation and strategic partnerships to unlock investment opportunities across meat processing, dairy production, transportation, and export.
In his goodwill message, the Special Assistant on Fulani Matters, Hon. Abdullahi Seriki, lauded the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, saying it reflects the governor’s recognition of the Fulani community’s role in food and national security. He, however, appealed for better engagement with Fulani stakeholders to ensure effective communication and participation in government programmes.
Contributing, Professor Badmus Abdulhameed of the University of Ilorin emphasized the need for synergy between government, academia, and professional bodies to develop practical and inclusive policies for the sector.
Earlier, the programme facilitator, Mr. Abdulraheem Yahaya Onipe, explained that the engagement was aimed at harnessing stakeholders’ input on the sustainable management of livestock infrastructure facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. He stressed the need for investment-friendly policies to foster public-private collaboration in the sector.
The session ended with a collective resolve to build a resilient livestock sector through policy reform, infrastructure development, and inclusive dialogue.
