Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has appealed to the Federal Government for increased support and collaboration to expand livestock development, aiming to create jobs and boost economic opportunities within the state. The governor made the request on Tuesday during a meeting with Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who was in Ado-Ekiti to commission an ultra-modern veterinary hospital and inspect ongoing projects under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRESS) programme.
Oyebanji emphasized that the livestock sector holds enormous potential to improve agricultural productivity, generate wealth, and strengthen livelihoods. He called for stronger state-federal collaboration to harness these opportunities, particularly through interventions that improve livestock production and develop its value chain. The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing a separate Ministry of Livestock Development, describing agriculture and livestock as critical sectors for job creation and economic growth.
During the meeting, the governor urged the minister to assess the state’s ongoing projects, specifically highlighting the Ikun Dairy Farm. He stated that federal intervention was needed to expand operations and improve the sustainability of the facility. “I don’t believe in noise making; I believe the only way to advertise yourself is by showcasing your achievements,” Oyebanji said, adding that the state had reached a stage where additional federal support was necessary to enable its livestock initiatives to achieve greater impact.
Responding to the appeal, Minister Maiha commended Governor Oyebanji for prioritizing agriculture as a means to tackle poverty and unemployment. The minister assured the governor of the Federal Government’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with Ekiti to expand the agricultural value chain, increase production, and sustain the state’s efforts towards food security.
Maiha’s working visit included the commissioning of the new veterinary hospital and inspections of various LPRESS projects across the state. The facilities scheduled for inspection included the Ikun Dairy Farm, the Emure Poultry Hub, the cattle market in Ado-Ekiti, the ongoing construction of a semi-automated abattoir, and the Erifun Broiler Processing Plant in Ado-Ekiti.
Also present at the meeting were Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo, Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security Ebenezer Boluwade, Special Adviser on Media Yinka Oyebode, and LPRESS State Coordinator Olayinka Adedipe.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
