The Kwara State Government has launched a statewide anthrax vaccination campaign aimed at protecting livestock, improving public health, and strengthening the State’s agricultural economy. The initiative marks a crucial step towards safeguarding livelihoods and promoting food security for residents.
The official flag-off ceremony, held in Lamba Community, Asa Local Government Area, saw Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, emphasize the significance of livestock vaccination in combating the deadly anthrax virus. The Governor stated that healthier livestock would boost productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and drive growth in the agricultural sector.
According to Governor AbdulRazaq, “This vaccination campaign is a bold step towards securing a healthier and more prosperous Kwara. By prioritizing livestock health, we ensure better yields, greater earnings for farmers, and a stronger agricultural economy.”
The Governor further disclosed that efforts were underway to revive the long-abandoned Kaiama Cattle Ranch. This revival project includes providing access to clean water and quality feed for livestock, thereby setting the foundation for higher livestock production. He also announced plans to establish over 100 hectares of pastures in each local government area of Kwara State, aiming to revitalize livestock production and enhance food security.
“This initiative will not only boost livestock yields but also foster peace between farmers and herders, ensuring a sustainable future for our agricultural sector,” he added.
The success of the vaccination campaign and other agricultural initiatives was attributed to the support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose timely payment of the World Bank-required counterpart fund has elevated the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRESS) project in Kwara State as a leader in national agricultural interventions.
Hon. Abdulrazaq Jidah, Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties, commended the Governor for prioritizing food security and launching a vaccination campaign of this magnitude for the first time in over 20 years. “This administration has shown its commitment to creating a safer, healthier, and more hygienic Kwara. Governor AbdulRazaq is fulfilling his promises to the people,” he remarked.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting public health. She urged livestock owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated when the L-PRESS team visits their communities.
Dr. Abdullateef Salman Olugbon, Director of Veterinary Services, highlighted the economic benefits of the vaccination drive, noting that it would reduce livestock mortality, increase revenue for farmers, and boost the State’s economy.
L-PRESS State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, assured stakeholders that the vaccination campaign, which began in Lamba Community, would cover every part of Kwara State within two weeks.
Appreciating the government’s intervention, the Jowuro of Lamba, Alhaji Uthman Tijani, acknowledged the government’s contributions to the community, including the provision of water facilities and a school. He pledged the community’s support for the vaccination campaign and its commitment to maintaining peace in Kwara State.
The flag-off ceremony’s highlight was the symbolic vaccination of cattle and goats by Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, signaling the official commencement of the campaign.
Dignitaries present at the event included Senior Special Adviser for Agriculture, Hon. Musa Baba Mohammed; Special Adviser on Security Matters, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; top APC leader and member, Hon. Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Dr. (Engr) Toyin Busari Isiaka; Managing Director of Kwara ADP, State Chairperson of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Khadijat Ahmed; Dr. Idiat Aminu; and directors from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, including Mr. Maiyaki Madu (DPFS), Mall. Umar Ahmed Mohammed (Director of Animal Husbandry), Mr. Idris Jimoh (Director of Planning), and Hajia Hafsat Hussein (Director of Agricultural Services), among others.
