By Emmanuel Oluwakorede
Kogi State Coordinating Office of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES) is to partner with the Federal University Lokoja on Establishment of Hatchery and a 500 birds per hour automated processing plant.
The State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin made this known when he led management staff of the Project Implementation Unit to the office of the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi on Wednesday in Lokoja.
According to Dr. Bolarin, the choice of the University is for sustainability and to bring experts on board in the actualization of the plan to boost livestock farming in the State.
He explained that the Projects would revolutionize the poultry value chain, generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth within Kogi State.
Dr. Bolarin noted that the Project, which would be fully funded by the World Bank, said work will commence immediately the feasibility study is completed.
Today, we come before you with a proposition born out of our shared vision for progress and prosperity – the establishment of a hatchery and a 500 birds per hour automated processing plant.
Dr. Bolarin further states that “We recognize the Federal University Lokoja as a beacon of knowledge and innovation, and it is with this recognition in mind that we seek to forge a partnership that transcends boundaries and propels us towards a future of shared success. Your expertise, resources, and commitment to excellence are invaluable assets that we believe will greatly enrich our collaborative efforts.”
The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, funded by the World Bank, stands as a testament to our collective dedication to enhancing the productivity, commercialization, and resilience of selected livestock value chains in Nigeria.
At its core, our project seeks to strengthen the capacity to respond to crisis or emergencies in the livestock sector, a crucial component in ensuring sustainable development and economic prosperity, the State Project Coordinator added.
He maintained that the Hatchery and Birds Automated Processing Plant will add value to livestock farming in the State and country in General.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi described the move as a welcome development, saying it is coming at a time that the Institution is committed to repositioning agriculture to provide food security in Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory FCT.
He pledged the commitment of the University to the realisation of the Projects with provision of land, human resources and other needs.