Jtimes
… As Gombe L-PRES Coordinator Reiterates Govt’s Commitment to Transform Livestock Businesses in Gombe State
The conglomeration of associations along the livestock value chain has applauded the Gombe State Government under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for revitalizing livestock businesses and boosting the livestock sector in Gombe State.
The associations made the commendation during a courtesy call on the Gombe L-PRES Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, in his office.
Speaking on behalf of their members, Malam Abubakar Adamu, Ahmed Isa, and Inuwa Maikano, who are the Chairmen of the Gombe State Cattle Dealers, Goats and Sheep Sellers, and Animal Feed Sellers Associations, respectively, extolled the government for its unrelenting efforts towards improving livestock production through the L-PRES Project and its remarkable engagement of stakeholders.
They thanked the L-PRES project for including them in its interventions and projects, pledging total support for the L-PRES project and the Gombe State government under Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the development of the livestock sector and Gombe State in general.
The Chairmen specifically commended the renovation of earth dams at the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve, the building of veterinary clinics, the rehabilitation of abattoirs, and the digging of boreholes to ensure a steady water supply for human and animal use. They said these strategic projects would go a long way in improving livestock productivity in the state.
In his remarks, the Gombe L-PRES Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, commended the associations for coming together under a common platform to express their support for the L-PRES Project. He reiterated the project’s commitment to transforming the livestock business in the state to conform with international standards.
Professor Abubakar attributed the success of the L-PRES project in Gombe State to the support and strong political will of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s transformation agenda, which aims to exploit the state’s potentials in the livestock sector for economic growth and development.
He explained that so far, the state government, under the L-PRES project, has constructed a modern animal laboratory at the Gombe Cattle Market to improve animal health services. Renovations are also ongoing at the Gombe, Bajoga, and Kumo abattoirs as part of efforts to reposition the sector.
Professor Abubakar enjoined the associations to support government policies and programs. He added that the livestock value chain businesses would soon be expanded. Plans and interventions are also underway to construct an ultra-modern abattoir and international livestock market with modern facilities to promote economic prosperity in the state for the enhanced livelihood of stakeholders.
He hinted that, for the first time, a major livestock intervention is coming to the state. The project will soon embark on profiling beneficiaries to empower livestock farmers. He urged them to unite so that their members, who are among the major stakeholders, will also benefit.
“With the new developments in the sector and proposals from other countries for the supply of beef from goat meat, the government is therefore improving facilities to meet international standards so that we can compete favorably in the global livestock market,” he said.
Professor Abubakar added that Gombe State’s location at the center of the Northeast and its abundant economic potentials place it in a more advantageous position in many aspects. He assured them that the potential will be fully exploited towards enhancing food security, economic prosperity, and development in the sub-region.
The coordinator emphasized the importance of embracing modern livestock production methods and urged the associations to support the L-PRES project and other government policies and programs for the development of the state.
The project coordinator also stressed that the state government under Governor Inuwa Yahaya is committed to solving the farmer-herder crisis and curbing insecurity in the state through dialogues, preservation and protection of grazing reserves and cattle routes, as well as community and stakeholders engagements.
Prof U. B. Abubakar noted that the newly completed laboratory at the Area Veterinary Clinic at Tashan Dukku Cattle Market will go a long way in enhancing veterinary services and pave the way for potential exports since countries like Qatar are in need of goat products from Nigeria.
He noted that “this is the first major livestock intervention coming to Gombe State, and we must ensure that we seize the opportunity to transform the livestock sector. He emphasized that the L-PRES Project will strengthen existing businesses along the livestock value chain to bring about an increase in productivity and curb losses.
The Coordinator unveiled plans to enumerate all stakeholders along the livestock value chain with a view to supporting them . “Plans are also on top gear to establish an International Livestock Market and an Ultra-modern abattoir, which will be equipped with modern facilities, taking into cognizance religious and ethnic inclinations of the people”, He revealed.
