Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has inaugurated the Private Veterinary Practice (PVP) Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving livestock health and ensuring the consumption of safe and healthy animal products. The program, launched at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja, signifies Kogi’s commitment to leveraging livestock farming as a cornerstone of food security and industrialization.

During the event, Governor Ododo underscored the critical role of livestock farming in the state’s agricultural strategy and pledged full support for stakeholders in the food value chain. He highlighted the government’s readiness to implement policies that will encourage investments in the sector while addressing challenges that hinder progress. “Livestock farming is a cornerstone of our plan to ensure food security and drive industrialization in Kogi State. We are committed to removing any barriers to investments in this vital sector,” the governor affirmed.

The initiative, supported by the World Bank’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, is bolstered by the establishment of a Livestock Service Center (LSC) in the state. Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its contribution and assured the public of the government’s dedication to maximizing the benefits of the project. He further stressed the seriousness of the initiative, citing the transformative impact of L-PRES on the lives of residents over the past few months.

Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of the L-PRES project, commended Kogi for its leadership in the program’s implementation across Nigeria. He described the PVP initiative as a strategic step to address gaps in veterinary service delivery, noting that only 15% of the country’s 11,000 veterinarians currently serve in the public sector. The program will enable private veterinarians to provide critical services such as vaccination, disease surveillance, treatment, and outbreak response in both urban and rural areas.

To facilitate the program’s implementation, the State Implementation Committee procured essential resources, including a Toyota Hilux vehicle, 20 motorcycles, and medical consumables. Training sessions were also conducted to build the capacity of private veterinarians and livestock farmers, equipping them with the skills to tackle emerging challenges in livestock management.

Dr. Tolu Omotugba, Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Kogi chapter, called for the institutionalization of the initiative through the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development in the state. He emphasized that this would sustain the program’s impact and foster continued growth in veterinary services.

Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, the State Project Coordinator, lauded the program as a transformative model for livestock development and revealed that Kogi had been approved for two additional livestock hubs. He described the state as poised to become a center of excellence in livestock management, not only in the Middle Belt but across Nigeria.

The Private Veterinary Practice Program represents a significant milestone in Kogi’s agricultural development. With a focus on innovation, resilience, and public-private collaboration, the initiative is set to revolutionize veterinary services, enhance livestock productivity, and contribute to food security across the state.