Edo backs livestock transformation drive, commends FG investment

Dennis Idahosa, Edo State Deputy Governor, representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government in driving economic development and attracting investments in key sectors.

Idahosa stated this on Saturday in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area, during the inauguration of a Model Veterinary Hospital constructed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

He described the facility as a strategic investment that would not only improve access to quality animal healthcare services but also boost livestock productivity and create broader economic opportunities for farmers and communities across the State.

According to him, the project reflects increasing attention being given to critical sectors capable of stimulating economic growth and improving livelihoods.

The deputy governor said the intervention would support Edo State’s efforts to expand agricultural productivity and deepen investments across the livestock value chain, while enhancing the sector’s contribution to economic development.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for extending development initiatives to Edo State, noting that ongoing infrastructure projects across various sectors were helping to strengthen confidence among residents and investors.

Idahosa also appreciated Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, for facilitating the project and assured the Federal Government of Edo State’s continued support for programmes aimed at transforming the livestock sector.

Describing Edo as a dependable partner in development, he called for additional federal interventions in the state, stressing that sustained collaboration would accelerate growth and unlock greater economic opportunities.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Minister of Livestock Development, said the facility was one of seven modern veterinary hospitals constructed and equipped under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project to reposition the livestock industry for sustainable growth and investment.

Maiha said the Ministry had embarked on deliberate and strategic investments in livestock infrastructure since its establishment, adding that more veterinary hospitals were at various stages of completion across participating states.

He explained that the facility was equipped with a surgical centre, consulting rooms, diagnostic laboratory, radiology unit, pharmacy and other modern veterinary services designed to provide quality animal healthcare to livestock farmers within and beyond Edo State.

‎The minister added that the hospital’s ambulatory unit would extend veterinary services to rural communities, ensuring that animals affected by preventable and treatable diseases receive timely medical attention.

Earlier, Ignatius Omorodion, Professor and Commissioner for Livestock Development, described the hospital as a landmark project that would serve livestock farmers across Edo North Senatorial District and beyond.

He said the facility, alongside a newly introduced mobile veterinary clinic, would improve access to animal healthcare services in remote communities and support the state’s livestock transformation agenda.

Omorodion noted that Edo State had emerged as a leading hub for livestock development in the South-South region following the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development by Governor Monday Okpebholo.