The Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development has officially launched a statewide vaccination campaign aimed at combating transboundary animal diseases and safeguarding livestock health across the state.
Under this comprehensive initiative, the Ministry will administer 200,000 doses of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) vaccines, 30,000 doses of Newcastle disease vaccines and 3,000 doses of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines.
The exercise, which spans the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, is designed to protect both ruminant and non-ruminant animals from highly infectious and economically devastating diseases.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Bolarin Olufemi, expressed sincere appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and the L-PRES National Office for their invaluable support in ensuring the successful rollout of the programme.
He described the intervention as a timely and strategic response to the growing threat of transboundary animal diseases, noting that the financial implications of disease outbreaks can be overwhelming for both the government and livestock owners.
According to the Commissioner, the vaccination campaign will significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission, minimize economic losses, and improve livestock productivity across the state.
Dr. Olufemi reiterated that ranching remains the most sustainable and modern approach to livestock production. He emphasized that globally, contemporary livestock management systems are transitioning from pastoral nomadism to structured ranching practices.
He stated that the Kogi State Government is committed to creating awareness and investing heavily in ranching infrastructure, describing it as a lasting solution to recurring conflicts, uncontrolled animal movement, and the spread of diseases.
“Nomadism will eventually phase out, whether we desire it or not. Modern livestock production requires structured systems, and ranching is the way forward,” he said.
The Commissioner called on livestock farmers, pastoralists, ranch owners, members of Miyetti Allah, cattle breeders, and herdsmen to cooperate fully with the Ministry to ensure the success of the vaccination exercise.
He assured stakeholders that qualified veterinary doctors, para-veterinarians, and animal husbandry officers have been deployed across the state to administer the vaccines efficiently and professionally.
He added that this is not the first intervention of its kind, as a similar exercise was successfully conducted in 2024 with strong participation from herders and livestock farmers.
Dr. Olufemi also commended the state government for providing adequate security for the exercise, emphasizing that the cooperation of Fulani herders remains essential to its peaceful and seamless implementation.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his continued support for livestock development in Kogi State. He described the Governor as proactive, livestock-friendly, and deeply committed to ensuring that citizens have access to healthy, disease-free animal protein.
He further noted that Governor Ododo’s visionary leadership led to the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, positioning Kogi State among the pioneering states in Nigeria to institutionalize modern livestock governance. He added that this commitment earned the Governor the prestigious “Icon of Modern Livestock Development in Kogi State” award from the Association of Veterinary Doctors in Kogi State.
Also speaking at the event, Yahaya Sulaiman Mogauri, a representative of the herders, expressed profound appreciation to the state government for the initiative.
He described the programme as timely and impactful, stating that words could hardly convey the excitement and gratitude of Fulani herders across the state.
According to him, many cattle have already been vaccinated, and herders are optimistic that the campaign will drastically reduce disease outbreaks that have previously affected their animals and livelihoods.
“This vaccination gives us hope. Our animals will be healthier and more productive. We can now look forward to fewer losses, better income, and greater peace of mind,” he stated.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening livestock health systems, enhancing food security, and protecting the livelihoods of pastoralists and livestock farmers through sustained investment and strategic partnerships.
