From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development has organized a sensitization workshop alongside the launch of the National Animal Identification system towards enhancing livestock management and productivity in the state.
Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Femi Bolarin while speaking at the event, said that the initiative underscores Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration commitment to bolstering the livestock sector, a crucial component for food security and rural economic growth.
He described the establishment of Kogi Ministry of Livestock Development as a right step in the right direction and reaffirmed government’s commitment to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure effective livestock registration.
He gave an assurance that the effort of Governor Ododo to modernize livestock production in Kogi would not go in vain.
According to the commissioner “The NAITS initiative is designed to ensure effective identification, registration and traceability of all livestock across the country. This technology will not only enhance productivity and data-driven planning but will also checkmate incessant menace of cattle rustling, livestock theft and transboundary animal diseases that have over time affected the growth of the livestock sub-sector
“In Kogi State, livestock farming remains an integral part of rural livelihoods and food security, the implementation of NAITS comes at the right time. With this system, we shall be able to track animal movement, monitor health status, and facilitate trade transparency to create confidence among farmers, herders, and consumers alike”
He commended the vissionary leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support towards livestock transformation.
“I also acknowledge the partnership, technical and financial coordinating office, Kogi L-PRES coordinating office and our development partners as well as field officers”
The commissioner explained that the sensitization training workshop was organised to create awareness and enlightenment on livestock production and management.
Representative of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abdulkareem Durosinolorun disclosed that NAITS is a national programme under the federal government national livestock transformation plan in collaboration with Megacorp Nigeria Limited.
He lauded Kogi State Government for keying into the programme to boost livestock production in the state.
Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah in his goodwill message at the occasion, maintained that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s led administration would not relent in prioritising all segments of agricultural activities in the state.
Mr. Otaru Abdulkabir, Kogi State Project Coordinator of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES), expressed happiness with the launch of the National Animal Identification and Traceability System in the state describing the development as a major step forward in collective effort to modernize and secure livestock production and management in Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Kogi State Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Isah Anate Jimoh, said that his department remains fully committed to ensuring smooth implementation and sustainability of the programme in the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
“We will continue to work closely with livestock associations, community leaders and security agencies to ensure that every livestock owners participate in the registration and tagging process”
