By MERCY OMOIKE

The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has officially inaugurated Nigeria’s first Tele-Veterinary Call Centre to strengthen animal health system in the state.

The inauguration of the Veterinary Call Centre took place at the Animal Hospital, Johnson Agri, Agriculture Complex, Oko-Oba, Agege, on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Tele-VET is a farmers’ helpline and a strategic tool for safeguarding public health, strengthening food safety, and boosting productivity across the agriculture sector.

By improving disease surveillance and limiting the spread of zoonotic infections, the platform supports the global One World, One Health framework, which recognises the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, described the farmers’ helpline as a testament of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to push the frontiers of the agric. sector.

“Today, we gather to inaugurate a truly historic and transformative initiative — Nigeria’s first Tele-Veterinary Call Centre, established through our strategic partnership with Etsu Digital Nigeria Ltd.

“This milestone marks a decisive step in strengthening animal health systems, improving food safety, and advancing agricultural innovation for millions of Nigerians.

“Around the world, technology is rapidly reshaping the way we produce, protect, and consume food.

“Here in Lagos, under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we remain fully committed to deploying digital tools that enhance efficiency, empower farmers, and protect public health.

“Today’s launch is a practical demonstration of that commitment,” she said.

She noted that farmers and pet owners had struggled to access timely and professional veterinary care for years.

“For years, farmers and pet owners — whether in urban centres or remote communities — have struggled to access timely, professional veterinary care.

“The Tele-Veterinary Call Centre now provides a groundbreaking solution to this longstanding gap. With this innovation, quick access to certified veterinary expertise becomes a reality for all.

“This Tele-VET platform builds on two existing mobile-based services available on MTN and Glo networks,” she said.

She said the M-Agric would deliver daily expert tips, mentorship, and value-chain training to farmers, with over N50 million already rewarded to beneficiaries nationwide.

Olusanya added that M-Health, a tele-veterinary companion, would offer practical, easy-to-understand guidance for livestock and pets.

According to her, users across Lagos and Nigeria can subscribe and instantly access these services by simply dialing *20791#.

“What we unveiled today goes even further by providing a live, fully operational call centre dedicated to real-time veterinary support.

“The centre, fully equipped and staffed by certified Lagos State Veterinary Consultants, will provide: 24/7 emergency support, First-aid instructions, disease-prevention guidance, and professional veterinary advice for livestock, pets, and even crops.

“This service is free to all active M-Agric and M-Health subscribers. And at just N100 per day, Nigerians can access expert support without long-distance travel, clinic queues, or prohibitive emergency costs,” she said. (NAN)

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