Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for increased support and collaboration from the Federal Government to strengthen livestock development in the state, create jobs, generate wealth and expand economic opportunities.
Oyebanji made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who was on a working visit to the state to commission an ultra-modern veterinary hospital in Ado Ekiti and inspect ongoing projects under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRESS) programme.
The governor highlighted the potential of the livestock sector to boost agricultural productivity, create employment, improve livelihoods and contribute to Ekiti’s economic growth.
He stressed the need for stronger cooperation between the state and Federal Government to maximise opportunities in the sector, particularly through strategic interventions to improve livestock production and strengthen the value chain.
Oyebanji commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing a separate Ministry of Livestock Development, expressing his administration’s readiness to work with the Federal Government, investors and other stakeholders to develop the sector.
He also said Ekiti was prepared to attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities through its livestock initiatives.
“I am so excited that you are here today because I know after your tour tomorrow, when you get back to Abuja, things will not be the same again. I just want you to come and see for yourself how far we have gone in Ekiti State. I don’t believe in noise making, I believe the only way to advertise yourself is by showcasing your achievements,” the governor said.
Commending the President for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, Oyebanji described agriculture and livestock as sectors with significant potential to generate employment and wealth.
He specifically called for Federal Government support for the Ikun Dairy Farm, saying the state had reached a stage where additional intervention was needed to expand its operations and ensure sustainability.
Earlier, Maiha praised the governor for his commitment to using agriculture to tackle poverty and unemployment, generate wealth and create economic opportunities for residents.
The minister assured the state of the Federal Government’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with Ekiti to expand agricultural value chains, increase production and sustain its progress in food security.
Maiha said his visit was aimed at commissioning the veterinary hospital in Ado Ekiti and assessing ongoing LPRESS projects across the state.
The facilities and projects scheduled for inspection included Ikun Dairy Farm, Emure Poultry Hub, the cattle market in Ado Ekiti, a semi-automated abattoir market and the Erifun Broiler Processing Plant in Ado Ekiti.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade; Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode; and LPRESS State Coordinator, Olayinka Adedipe, among other officials.
