In a strategic move to bolster the Livestock Production, the Kogi and State Office of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has embarked on a statewide sensitization campaign for the project.
The project is being implemented by Kogi State Government through the Project Implementation Unit and is supported by the World Bank with the aim of enhancing the productivity, resilience, and commercialization of selected value chains.
Additionally, it aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond responsibly to eligible crises or emergencies.
Addressing stakeholders at Adogo, the headquarters of Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state, the State Project Coordinator (SPC), Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, who was represented by Project Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Omojo Akuh said the sensitization exercise is imperative in fostering understanding, collaboration, and harnessing the opportunities in the project.
Dr. Bolarin explained that the project, when fully implemented, would lead to an increase in productivity, strengthen resilience, and develop commercialization of the livestock enterprise.
The coordinator, however, solicited for the cooperation of all stakeholders involved in the smooth and efficient implementation of the project for a better and prosperous state.
The Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Hon. Akaba Mustapha, represented by Hon. Momoh Sani Salami, the Local Government Supervisor for Health, applauded the initiative while assuring the project implementation unit of maximum security and other necessary supports.
Also speaking during the sensitisation visit is Halidu of Ajaokuta (Head of Fulani) Alh. Isa Abdullahi and Joseph Enesi the Chairman Poultry Association Ajaokuta Local Government Area; in their separate remarks, the leaders of the various groups lauded the government’s efforts and advocated for the comprehensive inclusion of their respective groups among the beneficiaries, highlighting the potential positive effects on the community.
In his contribution, the Project Extension Officer, Mr. Daniel Okpanachi harped on the importance of accurate mapping and profiling and emphasized on the need for livestock farmers to make themselves available for exercise.
He added that the success of the project relied heavily on the number of successful beneficiaries mapped and profiled, which, according to him, determines the amount of benefits to be received by the state.
On her part, the Gender Base Violence Specialist Sarah Amanebo emphasized the need for adequate representation of women in the project, while she enjoined women in the livestock business to take full advantage of the project to improve their standard of living.
