Olu Samuel

The Kogi State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, screened and confirmed Dr Olufemi Bolarin, as the commissioner-nominee, presented to it by Gov. Ahmed Ododo.

Dr Bolarin is designated to head the newly created Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development.

Punch online recall that Gov. Ododo on January 10, approved the establishment of Ministry of Livestock Development aimed at enhancing livestock management in the state in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Dr Bolarin, until his nomination by the governor, was the State Project Coordinator of Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES).

The confirmation followed the comprehensive screening of the nominee by the house members and his subsequent unanimous acceptance as commissioner-designate.

While addressing the Lawmakers, Bolarin promised to enhance livestock productivity, build resilience and improve food security.

He appreciated the governor for the confidence reposed in him, and promised to use his new office to attract partners and investors to the Livestock subsector.

The house members in their various comments, described Dr Bolarin as a round peg in a round hole, and expressed their confidence in his ability to run a viable livestock productivity ministry for the development and the betterment of the state and Nigeria at large.

The Speaker of the house, Rt Hon. Umar Yusuf, commended members of the house for a job well done, and tasked the nominee to live up to the expectations of governor and the people of the state.

The speaker, who announced Bolarin’s confirmation after the screening, advised him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the livestock productivity and development of the state.

Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, an Associate Professor from the prestigious University of Ilorin, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the prestigious University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU).

A Master’s degree in Agricultural Communication from OAU, and a PhD in Agriculture with a specialization in Animal Production Extension from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Dr. Bolarin’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, with international experience in agriculture across countries such as Australia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya.

His exposure to global best practices in livestock management uniquely positions him to lead transformative initiatives in Kogi State’s livestock sector.