The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has distributed pasture farming inputs and equipment to 500 farmers drawn from 50 clusters across the state as part of efforts to improve livestock productivity and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Speaking during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement held in Lokoja, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Abdulkabir Onuoroyoiza Otaru, described the initiative as another major step towards transforming livestock production in Kogi State.
According to him, the programme reflects the commitment of the Kogi State Government through the L-PRES Project to strengthen livestock production systems, improve pasture development, and enhance the resilience and productivity of livestock farmers across the state.
Mr. Otaru noted that the livestock sector remains a vital component of Nigeria’s agricultural development and economic growth, contributing significantly to food security, nutrition, employment, and rural livelihoods.
He, however, identified challenges affecting the sector to include inadequate pasture development, seasonal feed shortages, climate-related pressures, low productivity, and conflicts arising from competition over resources.
He explained that with support from the Federal Government and the World Bank, the Kogi L-PRES Project is implementing strategic interventions aimed at making the livestock sector more productive, sustainable, and resilient.
Represented by the Animal Husbandry Officer, Mr. Adeniyi Oloninisi, the coordinator disclosed that the 500 beneficiaries selected from the 21 local government areas of the state would receive pasture seeds, organic fertilizers, knapsack sprayers, fodder choppers, and technical support services to improve pasture establishment, management, and value addition.
He described the inputs as an investment in productivity, sustainability, and the future of livestock development in Kogi State.
Mr. Otaru stressed that sustainable growth in the livestock sector requires strong collaboration among government agencies, development partners, farmers, traditional institutions, and the private sector.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to agricultural transformation, particularly in the livestock sector, while appreciating the support of the Commissioner for Livestock Development, the National Project Coordination Office, the World Bank, and other implementing partners.
“Let us continue to strengthen our partnership and collective commitment towards building a modern, resilient, peaceful, and economically viable livestock sector for the benefit of our people and future generations,” he said.
The coordinator urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the distributed inputs, noting that the success of the intervention would be measured through improved pasture availability, increased livestock productivity, and better incomes for farmers.
Also speaking, the Bajana of Obajana, HRH Oba Dr. Idowu Isenibi, described the intervention as a demonstration of government’s concern for rural communities.
“I am a farmer myself, and that is why I understand the value of what has just happened here. We promise Kogi L-PRES that whatever is given to us today will be used judiciously,” the monarch stated.
The Managing Director of the Kogi Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Dr. George Ogirima, praised Governor Ododo for prioritising agriculture, noting that Kogi State was among the first states to domesticate the Ministry of Livestock Development.
“Under Governor Ododo, Kogi is doing well in agriculture. We expect success stories, not excuses. Use these inputs well and report back so we can scale up the project,” he said.
The Head of the Project Financial Management Unit, Mallam Aliyu Abdulaziz, described the intervention as a significant investment and called on beneficiaries to ensure accountability through proper utilization and regular progress reports.
Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Rebecca Oluwi from Mopamuro, Mrs. Asovi Ibrahim from Okene, and Mrs. Binta Yahaya from Dekina, expressed appreciation to Kogi L-PRES as well as the federal and state governments for the support.
They said the intervention would help improve pasture farming, livestock feeding, and overall livelihoods.
The Kogi L-PRES Project, supported by the Federal Government and the World Bank, said the initiative is aimed at reducing feed shortages, improving livestock productivity, and enhancing food security and farmers’ incomes across the state.
