Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated the Ekiti State Livestock Production Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project office, vehicles and other equipment as part of his administration’s commitment to agriculture development, particularly the livestock sector in the state.
Speaking while commissioning the project Office, vehicles and motorcycles in Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday, the Governor said the programme is part of his administration’s agenda to drive innovative ideas and food security vision.
The Governor explained that the livestock production productivity and resilience support, a World Bank assisted project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at improving productivity and commercialization of targeted livestock production system in the state, and also strengthening the resilience of livelihoods including those affected by farmer-herder conflict.
Emphasizing the suitability of the state to further leverage on the enormous livestock facilities in the state, the Governor said his government supported the implementation of the project because of its potential in enhancing the livestock value chain in the state.
He explained that the state would leverage strategically on the project to build strong institution around agro-economy development, conflict resolution, capacity building, massive extension service, construction and renovation of livestock infrastructure, among others.
He said the project would also restructure and upgrade the livestock development centre at Erifun in Ado- Ekiti to a livestock agribusiness centre that will accommodate the state priority value chain, upgrade central abattoir and cattle market along Iworoko road to ultra-modern climate smart facility that guarantee public health and safety, upgrade and equip veterinary hospital to a modern disease diagnostic skit as well as facilitate the establishment of modern cattle market in Omuo Ekiti.
While assuring that his administration would not relent in its effort at ensuring that Ekiti becomes the food basket of the country, the Governor said his government has tremendously transformed the poultry value chain under Ekiti State Broiler Production Scheme in the state.
“L-PRES is a World Bank Project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and It is aimed at improving productivity and commercialization of targeted livestock production systems and strengthening the resilience of livelihoods including those affected by farmer-herder conflicts”.
“Our government supported the implementation of L-PRES project for its potential in enhancing the already existing livestock value chains in the State. The suitability of Ekiti State is further premised on the enormity of the available livestock facilities and land in the State. These include among others Livestock Development Centre in Ado-Ekiti, Irele grazing reserve, old Oke-Ako cattle ranch and other associated infrastructures. These facilities will obviously offer a springboard for the overall success of the project” the Governor asserted.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, who appreciated the Governor for ensuring Ekiti State become one of the participating states in the L-PRES project and his commitment and support for the implementation of the project said, Ekiti has met with all the requiments for the implementation of the programme.
Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, former acting Governor, Hon. Tope Ademiluyi, farmers across the state, among others.
