BENIN- The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Edo office on Wednesday, held its inaugural stakeholders meeting to inform the public of its presence in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu had in 2024, created the Ministry of Livestock Development to stimulate economic growth
Dr Samuel Owoicho, the state coordinator of the ministry, said the meeting aimed to raise awareness on its transition from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Owoicho described the transition as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance the livestock sector in Edo and across Nigeria.
He said the new structure offered fresh opportunities for growth, better service delivery, and increased development for livestock farmers in the state.
“Our new ministry is fully committed to food security, livestock industry support, and improving livelihoods of farmers and sector stakeholders,” Owoicho said.
He added that the meeting would highlight the transition’s impact, uncover challenges, and explore collaborative opportunities for advancing the livestock sector in the state.
The coordinator called on stakeholders to work together in unlocking the livestock sector’s potential and boosting economic development and rural prosperity in Edo.
He commended the Minister, Alhaji Idi Maiha, for his dedication to livestock growth under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for agricultural transformation.
Dr Peter Osagie, Permanent Secretary, Edo Ministry of Agriculture, pledged the state collaboration to help chart a clear road map for the ministry’s operations.
Similarly, Alhaji Bako Dogwo, AFAN state chairman, commended President Tinubu for creating the ministry to address critical issues within the livestock value chain in Nigeria.
Dogwo also appreciated the president’s agricultural policies, revealing that the state had benefited from several federal government agricultural intervention programmes.
He however recommended profiling of all cattle and their owners in the state as a strategic step to resolve recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the region permanently.
Dogwo expressed willingness to offer further ideas to resolve the farmer-herder crisis and promote peaceful coexistence in rural livestock-farming communities.
In the same vein Mr Jolly Idelegbagbon, chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association, Edo chapter, called for a dedicated poultry directorate within the ministry for effective management.
Also Mr Benjamin Okpere, chairman of Edo’s Catfish Farmers Association, assured the ministry of the association’s full support to ensure its long-term success. (NAN)
