The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Kogi State Chapter, has commended Governor Usman Ododo for his visionary leadership and groundbreaking initiatives in livestock development.

During the launch of the Private Veterinary Practice (PVP) program in Lokoja, the NVMA chapter chairman, Dr. Omotugba Tolu Samuel, lauded the governor’s dedication to the welfare of veterinarians, including the timely implementation of the 2024 revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Dr. Omotugba also urged the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development to ensure the sustainability of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project once it concludes. He noted that Kogi is the first state in Nigeria to implement the PVP program, a performance-driven initiative aimed at improving veterinary service delivery.

The program, designed to support 10 private veterinarians, will provide free veterinary services to 2,000 livestock and poultry farmers across the state. To bolster its success, Governor Ododo distributed 20 motorcycles, a Hilux vehicle, veterinary medications, and consumables to the participating veterinarians.

The event featured notable dignitaries, including Dr. Manievel Sene, Task Team Leader for the L-PRES Project at World Bank Abuja; Dr. Chidozie Onyedikachi Anyiro, Co-Task Team Leader; and Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator.

Dr. Khalid Mohammed, NVMA Publicity Secretary, highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential for livestock health and food security in Kogi State.

Governor Ododo’s progressive actions continue to position Kogi as a trailblazer in livestock development, setting a benchmark for agricultural innovation in Nigeria.