Kwara Moves To Curb Trans-boundary Animal Diseases
* Flags Off Statewide Vaccination Campaign
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has flagged off a comprehensive statewide vaccination campaign against transboundary animal diseases across all the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
The campaign, officially launched at Ilorin West Local Government Area, is aimed at strengthening animal health services and boosting livestock productivity across the state.
Flagging off the exercise, the State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Honourable (Mrs) Oloruntoyosi Ayobola Thomas, explained that the initiative is part of the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) transboundary animal disease vaccination programme, designed to prevent and control major livestock diseases.
Represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Abdullateef Salman Olugbon, the Commissioner noted that the exercise will enhance livestock productivity, safeguard pastoral and farming livelihoods, and promote national food security.
She commended the Federal Government and the L-PRES Project for their continued support in combating transboundary animal diseases, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting its livestock sector.
Curious Television News reports that the Commissioner also urged livestock farmers across the state to register with the Ministry of Livestock Development to benefit from the vaccination programme and other government interventions.
In his remarks, the Director of Livestock Services, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Umar, described L-PRES as a strategic initiative designed to strengthen animal health systems and improve resilience within Nigeria’s livestock sector. He emphasized that the vaccination campaign is timely and critical to sustainable growth in the sector, assuring that the vaccines will be judiciously utilized.
Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, represented by the Project Animal Health Officer, Dr. Bukola Richards, stated that the vaccination drive will help prevent outbreaks of transboundary animal diseases, reduce livestock morbidity, and improve overall productivity in the state.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, through the L-PRES Project, recently delivered vaccines to support the state’s effort in strengthening animal health services nationwide.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic vaccination of cattle by Dr. Abdullateef Salman Olugbon, marking the official commencement of the statewide campaign.
