Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has sought increased support and collaboration from the Federal Government to strengthen livestock development in the state, as part of efforts to create more jobs, generate wealth and expand economic opportunities for the people.
The Governor made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who was in the state to commission an ultra-modern veterinary hospital in Ado-Ekiti and inspect ongoing projects of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) across the state.
Highlighting the importance of the livestock sector to the state’s economic growth, Governor Oyebanji noted that livestock development holds significant potential to boost agricultural productivity, create employment, improve livelihoods and contribute to the state’s economic development.
He stressed the need for a stronger partnership between the state and the Federal Government to harness the opportunities in the sector, particularly through strategic interventions that would strengthen livestock production and its value chain.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating a separate ministry for livestock development, the Governor expressed the readiness of his administration to collaborate with the Federal Government, relevant stakeholders and investors to develop the sector, create sustainable jobs and position Ekiti as a viable destination for livestock investment.
“I am so excited that you are here today because I know after your tour tomorrow, when you get back to Abuja, things will not be the same again. I just want you to come and see for yourself how far we have gone in Ekiti State. I don’t believe in noise making; I believe the only way to advertise yourself is by showcasing your achievements,” he said.
“I must commend the President for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development from the Ministry of Agriculture. I don’t know of any sector that has the capacity to create jobs and wealth more than agriculture and livestock. When you get to Ikun Dairy Farm tomorrow, which is our attempt to ensure sustainability in that sector, you will see we have gotten to a point where we need the Federal Government’s support so that they can do more than what they are doing now,” the Governor added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to leveraging agriculture to tackle poverty and unemployment, as well as create wealth and economic opportunities for residents.
He assured that the Federal Government is ready to strengthen collaboration with Ekiti State to expand the agricultural value chain, boost production and sustain the state’s achievements in food security.
The Minister said he was in the state on a working visit to commission the ultra-modern veterinary hospital in Ado-Ekiti and inspect ongoing L-PRES projects across the state, including the Ikun Dairy Farm, Emure Poultry Hub, Cattle Market in Ado-Ekiti, the construction of a semi-automated abattoir, and the Erifun Broiler Processing Plant in Ado-Ekiti, among others.
Also at the meeting were the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade; Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; and the L-PRES State Coordinator, Mr Olayinka Adedipe, among others.
