By Opeyemi Gbemiro
The Kogi state government has reaffirmed commitment to transforming the livestock sector through modern sustainable practices at SASSO chicken training programme.
The Livestock Development Commissioner, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, gave the assurance on Thursday in Lokoja during a sensitisation and training workshop on SASSO Chicken Rearing.
Bolarin, in his address to participants at the workshop, described the programme as both timely and impactful, noting that it aligns with the broader vision of the Kogi Government to reposition the livestock industry as a productive and economically viable sector.
He commended the collaborative efforts of Agro Preciso Nigeria Limited, Kogi L-PRES, and Adva Nigeria Limited for organizing the initiative, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in driving agricultural development.
According to the Commissioner, the introduction and promotion of improved poultry breeds such as SASSO chickens present significant opportunities for enhancing food security, boosting farmers’ incomes, and improving rural livelihoods.
He explained that Sasso chickens, unlike many indigenous breeds, offer dual-purpose benefits—providing both meat and eggs—while remaining adaptable to local environmental conditions.
He emphasized that the training programme is essential in equipping farmers, extension agents, and other stakeholders with modern poultry management skills, including proper brooding techniques, effective feeding practices, disease control, and overall husbandry.
The Commissioner further assured participants of the Ministry’s continued support, stating that the government remains committed to providing the necessary policy framework, technical guidance, and enabling environment to ensure the success of such initiatives.
He added that the Ministry will sustain its collaboration with development partners and private sector players to expand improved livestock production systems across the state.
He concluded by urging participants to actively engage in the training, ask questions, and apply the knowledge gained to enhance productivity and efficiency in their poultry operations.
In his address, Dr. Nurudeen Lawal, the Managing Director MD, Agro Preciso Limited, said the launch of the Sasso Poultry Sensitisation and Capacity-Building Workshop in Lokoja, marks a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s poultry sector through improved genetics and farmer education.
According to him, the initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Agro Preciso Limited and Hendrix Genetics, a global producer of the Sasso poultry breed.
Lawal noted that under the agreement, Agro Preciso is the official agent for Sasso poultry in Nigeria, positioning the company to drive the adoption of resilient and high-performing birds among local farmers.
He said Lokoja was selected as the starting point for the nationwide rollout, reflecting growing confidence in Kogi State’s agricultural potential.
He acknowledged the support of the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, led by Mr. Abdulkabir Otaru, as well as the contributions from key technical partners.
The Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development was also commended for its support of the initiative.
The Preciso MD, described the Sasso breed as a transformative option for poultry farmers. Unlike conventional broilers or layers, Sasso birds are dual-purpose and suited to free-range systems, offering both meat and egg production. They are also noted for their resilience and adaptability to local environmental conditions.
The workshop is designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge for successful poultry farming.
Training modules cover breed characteristics, farm business management, and the role of extension services and “Mother Units” in supporting smallholder farmers.
Sessions were facilitated by international poultry expert, Wilfred Kooij, who led discussions on modern and efficient poultry production systems tailored to local realities.
Agro Preciso reiterated that the workshop represents the beginning of a long-term commitment to empowering poultry farmers, enhancing profitability, and advancing food security, job creation, and rural economic growth across Kogi and Nigeria.
Mr. Ibrahim Arumeh, Mrs Bilikisu Yinusa and Mrs Blessing Ikani, who were participants and beneficiaries at the workshop, in their various remark, appreciated the efforts of Kogi Government in strengthening poultry farmers capacity value chain and contribution to the overall development of the State’s Livestock sector.
