By Dr Simeon O Ukagba.
I wish to sincerely commend His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo state for his visionary and leadership stride when he took the “ Bull by the horn” being the the second Governor in Nigeria to create the ministry of Livestock few years ago, even before the inauguration of the presidential committee on the implementation of Livestock reforms that will eventually lead to the establishment of the federal ministry of Livestock development in 2024.
This is a clear demonstration of the Governors understanding of the pressing needs of the state, more so, just like the federal ministry of Livestock development was created to boost the Nigeria economy and to reduce insecurity, and has been rightly adjudged as the best policy decisions taken by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration in repositioning Nigeria economy. It is in the same vein will Livestock farming hold immense potential for economic growth and food security, protect animal and public health in Imo state and should remain a top priority of the Ministry of Livestock.
The Governors commitment to the growth and transformation of Imo state is evident in every sector especially, as it concerns the challenges of Livestock farming in Nigeria. While space constraints would not permit me to go into details However, Imo state has witnessed massive transformation in the areas of infrastructural development through: Completion of new ultramodern Abattoir at Naze that will provide hygienic processing of cow meat and ensuring of its safety, quality and to prevent unhealthy forms of protein in the food chain, the benefits being that we will have more healthy people and a robust economy.
Secondly, through the proposed special Livestock processing zone project in Okigwe by the Imo State Government, which involves the establishment of a Livestock processing and dairy production hub with ranching facilities and being designed to the highest animal welfare standards.
This project when completed will handle all large animals including Cattle,Sheep and goats and the center will not only service Imo state but will revolutionize Livestock farming in all the states in the southeast.
Thirdly, the modernization of Sam Mbakwe international Cargo airport Owerri and installation of night landing facilities, will not only make it possible for Livestock derivatives to be exported seamlessly to other parts of the world but will equally position Imo state as a prime destination for investors wishing to go into Livestock sector.
Fourthly, the Governors allocation of land to Afreximbank for Imo state quality assurance project is a step in the right direction. This center when completed, will offer inspection to food and other agricultural value chain. The Imo state AQAC will among other things restore global confidence in Livestock products originating from Imo state and at the same time gain access to both regional and global markets Overall, this will promote export diversification in Livestock products and improve quality of life.
Finally, high quality roads have been constructed by the Governor while many are still ongoing across the states 27 LGA. These road connectivity will boost Livestock trade in the state since it will provide access to the rural areas where we have majority of Livestock farmers.
And of note is the uninterrupted power supply in every part of the state, once the electrification project of the state government is concluded in the coming months. It will usher in the establishment of commercial hatcheries in the state that will cater for the needs of poultry farmers east of the Niger. And with some structures already in place like, Imo modern poultry Avutu, Imo standard shoe industry that will feed on some of the byproducts of Livestock.
With all these, I therefore see Imo state taking the lead in Livestock farming in Nigeria.
