The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has distributed pasture farm inputs and equipment to 500 farmers drawn from 50 clusters across the state.
The State Project Coordinator (SPC), Mr Abdulkabir Otaru, disclosed this on Friday during a stakeholders’ engagement and input distribution exercise in Lokoja.
He was represented by the L-PRES Animal Husbandry Officer, Mr Adeniyi Oloninis.
Otaru described the programme as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to transform livestock production and strengthen farmers’ resilience.
He noted that the livestock sector remains vital to Nigeria’s agricultural development and economic growth, contributing to food and nutrition security, employment, and rural livelihoods.
Otaru identified key challenges facing the sector, including inadequate pasture development, seasonal feed shortages, climate pressures, low productivity, and resource-based conflicts.
He, however, said that the Kogi L-PRES Project, supported by the Federal Government and the World Bank, is implementing strategic interventions to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability in the sector.
He said the beneficiaries, drawn from the 21 local government areas of the state, would receive pasture seeds, organic fertilisers, knapsack sprayers, fodder choppers, and technical support services aimed at improving pasture establishment, management, and value addition.
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Otaru described the inputs as an investment in productivity, sustainability, and the future of livestock development in the state.
He stressed the need for collaboration among government, development partners, farmers, traditional institutions, and the private sector to achieve sustainable livestock growth.
The coordinator commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo for his commitment to agricultural transformation, particularly in the livestock sector.
He also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Livestock Development, the National Project Coordination Office, the World Bank, and implementing teams.
“Let us continue to strengthen our partnership and collective commitment towards building a modern, resilient, peaceful, and economically viable livestock sector for the benefit of our people and future generations,” he said.
Otaru urged beneficiaries to utilise the inputs effectively, noting that success would be measured by improved pasture availability, increased productivity, and higher farmer incomes.
Also speaking, the Bajana of Obajana, Oba Idowu Isenibi, said the intervention demonstrated the government’s commitment to rural communities.
“I am a farmer myself, and I understand the value of what has been done here. We will ensure that the items distributed are used judiciously,” he said.
The Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) in the state, Dr George Ogirima, commended the governor for prioritising agriculture, noting that Kogi was among the first states to domesticate the Ministry of Livestock Development.
“Under Gov. Ododo, Kogi is making progress in agriculture. We expect results, not excuses. Beneficiaries should make good use of the inputs and provide feedback to enable expansion of the project,” he said.
The Head of the Project Financial Management Unit, Malam Aliyu Abdulazuz, described the distribution as a significant investment and called for accountability through proper utilisation and regular progress reports.
Some beneficiaries also commended the state and federal governments, noting that the inputs would boost pasture production, improve livestock feeding, and enhance their livelihoods.
(NAN)
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