Olu Samuel

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES), has reiterated its commitment to improving livestock productivity and resilience in the state.

This was emphasized by the stakeholders at the State Technical Committee (STC) Meeting of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), held on Tuesday in Lokoja.

The State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza Otaru, commended the committee members for their commitment to the smooth implementation of L-PRES projects in the state.

Otaru noted that the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to review progress, deliberate on emerging challenges, and chart effective strategies to achieve the project’s objectives.

He emphasised that the L-PRES project, funded by the World Bank, aims to modernize livestock production systems, promote animal health, improve market access, and support sustainable livelihood opportunities for livestock farmers towards the achievement of food safety and security.

The Project Coordinator noted that despite appreciable progress, there was still much to be achieved before the end of the year.

Otaru highlighted some of the project’s achievements, including: Engaging relevant stakeholders and building the capacity of farmers and staff, and getting approvals from the World Bank and relevant authorities for project implementation

” Kogi L-PRES has surpassed the achievements of the past three years in just one year, and got World Bank approval for the rehabilitation of 9 Nos livestock markets across the state, the Construction Work Phase 1 at the Livestock Service Centre (LSC) Osara, Construction of a Model Veterinary Hospital in Kogi State, Mapping and Documentation of Grazing Reserves and Stock Routes in Kogi State, procurement of 21Nos Motorcycles for the Livestock Extension Agents, several capacity building training for the livestock farmers and the critical stakeholders in the livestock sector” Otaru noted.

He assured that the sub projects would be implemented as soon as the procurement processes are completed and contracts are awarded.

The Project Coordinator expressed optimism that the project would have a significant impact on the lives of livestock farmers in the state.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Abdulsalam Hadi, commended the dedication and teamwork demonstrated by all members of the committee, the State Coordination Office, and partners.

Represented by Mr Isah Jimoh, the Ministry’s Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Hadi said the L-PRES project would enhance livelihoods of livestock farmers, and promote sustainable livestock production systems

He urged participants to engage constructively, share innovative ideas, and come up with actionable resolutions to strengthen project implementation and ensure measurable impact.

The State Project Coordinator thank and appreciate His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State for his support towards the payment of the State Counterpart Funds to implement the L-PRES Project in Kogi State.

The highlight of the meeting is the review of the 2025 Annual Work Plan & Budget (AWP&B), and the official hand over of L-PRES Project by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to the Ministry of Livestock Development as its parent ministry.