The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) is taking bold steps to strengthen livestock production, commercialization, and climate adaptation in the state. With the backing of the state government, the initiative is strategically positioning Kogi as a leader in sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.

As part of its implementation efforts, L-PRES recently organized a two-day strategic meeting in Lokoja, bringing together members of the State Technical Committee (STC) and State Steering Committee (SSC). The primary objective was to review the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) and align it with the broader Kogi State Development Plan to ensure maximum impact.

Strengthening Livestock Sector for Sustainable Growth

During the session, Kogi’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, who also chairs the STC, commended the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) for its dedication to the initiative. He emphasized the importance of scaling up livestock production, improving market access, and enhancing resilience in the face of emerging challenges in the sector.

“The progress achieved so far is commendable, but we must remain committed to implementing strategic interventions that will ensure long-term sustainability and growth in livestock farming,” Ojomah stated.

He further reaffirmed the state government’s full support for initiatives aimed at boosting productivity, disease control, and farmer profitability, reinforcing the project’s role in improving food security and economic opportunities within Kogi’s livestock sector.

Strategic Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement

The State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Otaru Onoruoyiza, emphasized the critical role of stakeholder collaboration in advancing project execution. He highlighted the importance of continuous assessment and oversight to ensure that interventions remain aligned with the Project Development Objective (PDO) and the overall Kogi Development Plan.

A significant aspect of the meeting was the presentation and thorough evaluation of the AWPB, ensuring that financial and operational strategies were well-structured to meet project goals.

Stakeholders from various sectors, including government agencies, civil society organizations, security services, and legal bodies, actively participated in deliberations on policy frameworks, institutional strengthening, and capacity building for livestock stakeholders.

On-Site Project Evaluation Scheduled for March 15-17

To ensure effective implementation and transparency, committee members are set to embark on a comprehensive site tour across project locations from March 15 to 17, 2025. This field assessment will provide first-hand insights into the progress of interventions, identify areas needing improvement, and reinforce accountability in achieving tangible outcomes for Kogi’s livestock industry.

With the L-PRES initiative gaining momentum, Kogi State is demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing livestock resilience, improving productivity, and fostering a thriving agribusiness environment.