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 marked a significant stride in safeguarding livelihoods and promoting food security across the State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Lamba Community, Asa LGA, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emphasized the importance of vaccinating livestock to combat the deadly anthrax virus.
The Executive Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas highlighted how healthier livestock would lead to increased productivity and greater income for farmers and herders, contributing to a thriving agricultural sector.
According to the Governor, “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.
He explained that the initiative will provide access to clean water and nutritious feed, setting the stage for better livestock production.
The Governor disclosed 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.
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.
The success of the campaign and other agricultural projects was attributed to the unwavering support of His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose timely payment of the World Bank-required counterpart fund has positioned the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRESS) project in Kwara State as a national leader in agricultural interventions.
Hon. Abdulrazaq Jidah, Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties, praised 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.
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.
On his part, 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 to 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 Animal Husbandry), Mr. Idris Jimoh (Director planning), Hajia Hafsat Hussein (Director Agric Services, among others.
Omotola Ashaolu
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
