By Emmanuel Oluwakorede
In a bid to enhance livestock production and provide comprehensive services to livestock sector across the Country,
the Kogi State Government has budgeted $31.2milllion for the development of Livestock Service Centre in the State.
The Kogi State project Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support project, L-PRES Dr Olufemi Bolarin disclosed this on Thursday at the proposed Livestock Service Centre, (LSC) site located at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH) Osara.
He noted that $4.05milllion is the estimated budget for the development of Livestock Service Centre in 2024, $6.24million, (2025)
$9.98 million, (2026) and $10.92million, (2027).
” The Kogi Livestock Service Centre will significantly contribute to the economic development of Kogi State by creating jobs, enhancing productivity and fostering sustainable practices. This project will not only boost livestock sector but also catalyze broader economic growth and development in the region”.
” It will be a premier hub for livestock innovation and development, strategically positioned to enhance market access, support industrial synergy, and foster academic excellence.
” Kogi Livestock Service Centre will deliver comprehensive livestock services that drive economic growth and development in Kogi State by leveraging strategic market proximity, industrial collaboration, and academic expertise.
“We are committed to providing unparalleled technical assistance, facilitating market access, and
promoting sustainable livestock practices, contributing to the overall advancement of Nigeria’s livestock sector” he stated.
Earlier, the Kogi State Commissioner for agriculture and food security Timothy Ojoma said the present administration remains committed in ensuring food security in the State.
While expressing optimism that Kogi State will be among the State’s that will get approval for the establishment of Livestock Service Centre, Mr Ojoma argued that the State is safe for investment. “You will recall that there was an incident that happened in this school were 31 student were kidnapped.
“29 of them were rescued unhurt, while unfortunately, we lost two. The sponsors of this kidnappers can not leave to tell the story because they were delt with decisively for their evil act.
“We have had cases where students were kidnapped for more than eight years and nothing has been heard about them. Kogi State Government who are all always on top of it game in security
swung into action to rescue this kidnapped victims”
In his remarks, the national project Coordinator L-PRES Sanusi Abubakar expressed satisfaction with what he had seen at the proposed site for Livestock Service Centre in Osara Kogi State.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo who later received the national delegations of L-PRES at the Government house in Lokoja assured of his administration commitment to ensure the success of the world bank project in Kogi State.
