Oyebanji seeks FG’s Support To Boost Livestock Development, Job Creation

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, is seeking increased support and collaboration from the Federal Government to strengthen livestock development in the state as part of efforts to create more jobs, generate wealth and expand economic opportunities for the people.

The Governor appealed on Tuesday while receiving the Minister of Livestock Development, Mallam Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who was in the State to commission an ultra-modern veterinary hospital in Ado Ekiti and inspect ongoing projects of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRESS) across the state.

Highlighting the importance of developing the livestock sector to the state’s economic growth, Governor Oyebanji noted that livestock development holds significant potential to boost agricultural productivity, create employment, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the state’s economic development.

The Governor stressed the need for a stronger partnership between the state and federal governments to harness opportunities in the sector, particularly through strategic interventions that would strengthen livestock production and the value chain in the state.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for creating a separate ministry for livestock development, the Governor expressed readiness of his administration to collaborate with the federal government and other relevant stakeholders and investors to develop the sector, create sustainable jobs and position Ekiti as a viable destination for livestock investment.

“I am so excited that you are here today because I know after your tour tomorrow, when you get back to Abuja, things will not be the same again. I just want you to come and see for yourself how far we have gone in Ekiti State. I don’t believe in noise-making. I believe the only way to advertise yourself is by showcasing your achievements.

“I must commend the President for creating Ministry of Livestock Development from the Ministry of Agriculture. I don’t know of any sector that has capacity to create jobs and wealth more than Agriculture and livestock. When you get to Ikun Dairy tomorrow, which is our attempt to ensure sustainability in that sector, and we have gotten to a point where we need the federal government’s support so that they can do more than what they are doing now”, the Governor asserted

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Livestock Development, Mallam  Idi Maiha, commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to leveraging agriculture to tackle poverty and unemployment, as well as create wealth and economic opportunities for residents.

He assured that the federal government was ready to strengthen collaboration with Ekiti State to expand the agriculture value chain, boost production and sustain the state’s achievement in food security.

The Minister said he was in the state on a working visit and to commission an ultra-modern veterinary hospital in Ado Ekiti as well as inspect ongoing projects of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRESS) across the state, including Ikun dairy farm, Emure poultry hub, cattle market in Ado Ekiti, construction of semi-automated abattoir market, Erifun broiler processing plant in Ado Ekiti, among others.

Also at the meeting were the Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade; Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode; LPRESS State Coordinator, Olayinka Adedipe, among others.