By Adamu Abubakar Kumo
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Gombe State Chapter commended the Gombe State Government under the visionary leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for spearheading a transformative agenda in the livestock sector, marked by a comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure and the implementation of effective policies and programmes.
The Chairman of the NVMA Gombe State Chapter, Dr. Adamu Hamma Boyi, extended the Association’s commendation to the Gombe State Government during a courtesy visit to the GOMBE STATE L-PRES Project Office.
Dr. Boyi noted with dismay that the livestock subsector had been severely neglected in the past, with minimal government attention, significantly hindering the sector’s growth and development. He observed that veterinary clinics, once essential for animal health, had fallen into disrepair, with many abandoned and overrun by rodents.This ugly picture served as a stark reminder of the past neglect of this vital sector.
However, the Chairman stated that this scenario is rapidly changing. He highlighted the significant improvements witnessed under Governor Yahaya’s leadership, citing the renovation and modernization of the Tashan Dukku veterinary clinic as a prime example. The clinic is now equipped with a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory, enabling veterinarians to conduct essential tests and enhance the safety and hygiene of animal products.
He emphasized the crucial link between animal and human health, stating, “Ensuring animal health is paramount, as it directly impacts human health. Zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans, pose a significant threat to public health.”
Dr. Boyi commended Governor Yahaya for his strong political will and commitment to revitalizing the livestock sector. He acknowledged the Governor’s initiative to bring the L-PRES Project to Gombe and appoint Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, a distinguished scholar from Ahmadu Bello University, to lead the project as a testament to his commitment to excellence.
He further emphasized that the Governor’s strong support has been instrumental to the L-PRES Project’s remarkable success. He maintained that Under Governor Yahaya’s leadership, and through the L-PRES Project, previously abandoned facilities have been renovated and equipped with modern amenities, while veterinary infrastructure has been reconstructed and revitalized.
Dr. Boyi highlighted the significant improvements across the state, including the ongoing modernization efforts in key locations across the state, acknowledging the significant strides made in improving abattoir conditions. He noted that three major abattoirs in Gombe, Kumo, and Bajoga have undergone extensive renovations, addressing the past neglect of these crucial facilities.
Dr. Boyi expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing upgrades to three existing farmer field schools, recognizing their crucial role in enhancing livestock husbandry practices. “These schools will serve as vital hubs for training local livestock farmers on best practices in animal husbandry,” he explained. “This knowledge transfer will not only improve the quality and quantity of livestock products but also enhance the livelihoods and well-being of our farmers.”
He then lauded the establishment of the historic International Livestock Market and the first-ever ultramodern abattoir in Gombe as an unprecedented milestone for the state.
“This ambitious project, spanning over 30 hectares of land, is truly groundbreaking, not only for Gombe State but for the entire northern region of Nigeria,” he declared.
“As veterinarians, we are particularly excited about this project. The abattoir, the veterinary hospital within the complex, the animal lots, the feed lots – every aspect of this development will directly benefit our profession and its members.
This state-of-the-art facility will create numerous employment opportunities, not only for veterinarians but for people from all walks of life. It will boost the state’s Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), improve public health and well-being, and drive economic growth,” he added.
Dr. Boyi highlighted the significant strides made by the Gombe State Government under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in combating livestock diseases. He noted that the administration has consistently conducted annual vaccination campaigns, including the recent 2024 campaign targeting over 3 million large and small ruminants against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and anthrax.
This marks the fourth consecutive year of such comprehensive vaccination drives, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing public health by controlling animal diseases.
“Without these proactive measures, the veterinary profession in Gombe State would have faced a bleak future. The lack of adequate infrastructure and resources would have severely hampered our ability to practice effectively,” Dr. Boyi stated.
He commended the Governor for recognizing the critical role of the livestock sector and for implementing the L-PRES Project, which has revitalized the sector and provided much-needed support for veterinarians.
Dr. Boyi further emphasized the positive impact of government initiatives such as the ongoing work at the Wawa-Zange grazing reserve and the state-wide remapping and redemarcation of grazing reserves.
“These achievements have placed Gombe State at the forefront of livestock development in Nigeria. Our colleagues from other states frequently contact us to learn from Gombe’s successes,” Dr. Boyi stated.
He expressed his gratitude to Governor Inuwa and the L-PRES Project Coordinator for their visionary leadership and unwavering support in transforming the livestock sector.
Dr. Boyi declared that the NVMA fully supports the government’s policies and programs aimed at sustaining this positive trajectory. He reechoed the need for increased human resources within the veterinary subsector to effectively manage and maintain the improved infrastructure and implement the various initiatives.
“Considering the significant investment in the livestock sector, which is a major economic driver in the North, we urge the Governor to prioritize the recruitment and training of qualified veterinary professionals,” Dr. Boyi stated, expressing his firm belief that these investments, coupled with the visionary leadership of Governor Yahaya, will not only propel Gombe State towards sustainable economic growth but also serve as a model for the entire nation.