The Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Maiha, has inaugurated animal artificial insemination and livestock care centres to boost livestock production in Sokoto State.

Maiha described the centres as strategic intervention designed to strengthen veterinary services toward improving animal husbandry practices and enhance productivity.

He said the remodelled veterinary hospital would improve animal health through provision of quality care, diagnostics and infrastructure development for a sustainable livestock sector.

The Minister also unveiled the national mass vaccination of livestock, aimed at preventing the spread of diseases and improvement of livestock health for improved economic benefits.

He said the initiative was aimed at expanding the livestock value chain, part of the important step in transforming livestock sector and empowering rural communities across the North-West states and beyond.

“The centres will serve as a hub for veterinary care, livestock training, breed improvement, and youth empowerment, providing vital support to pastoralists and farmers in the region,” he explained.

The minister highlighted the Federal Government’s broader efforts to reposition the livestock subsector, align projects with national development plans, and create economic opportunities for rural communities.

He emphasised plans to integrate such centres into a nationwide network to support commercial livestock systems, combat animal diseases, and promote sustainable agricultural growth.

Maiha thanked the World Bank for supporting the Livestock Development Programme tagged “Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-Press)” in collaboration with the Federal Government.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the World Bank and other development partners to advance the livestock sector in Nigeria.” he said.

He explained that the model veterinary hospital under L-Press initiative in Sokoto State was one among the 20 expected to be built across the the country to improve animal health and support farmers to support sustainable livestock development.

Speaking also, Governor Ahmad Aliyu, lauded the Federal Government’s intervention, noting that the livestock service centre would complement state-led agricultural reforms.

Aliyu expressed optimism that the reforms would enhance food security, create jobs, and encourage youth participation in agribusiness.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to tackle banditry, which had affected livestock production in the region.

Dr Muhammad Sanusi, the National Coordinator of the Livestock Development Programme, commended the minister for his vision and leadership in driving Nigeria’s livestock development agenda.

Sanusi said the project was expected to attract partnerships with private sector players, development agencies, and educational institutions, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s livestock industry and addressing longstanding gaps in veterinary infrastructure and training

He said centres would benefit local livestock herders and community representatives and expressed optimism that the efforts would improve access to essential services, enhance livestock health, and create new economic opportunities for stakeholders farmers. (TRIBUNE)