By Imrana Sulaiman Maikanti
The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Enhancement Support (L-PRES) Gombe State unveiled an ambitious vision for modernizing the livestock sector.
The Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, articulated this while receiving members of the National Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Gombe State chapter on a courtesy visit on Wednesday.
Professor Abubakar began by expressing appreciation for NVMA’s visit and its expressed interest for collaboration. He then delved into the core objectives of the LPRES project, emphasizing its mission to revolutionize the livestock value chain, ensure product safety, prevent crises, and foster peace.
Highlighting the crucial nexus between peace and livestock development, Professor Abubakar underscored the need to address farmer-herder conflicts for sustained economic growth. He outlined comprehensive plans to commercialize the livestock sector, aiming for sustainability and societal advancement.
Central to his vision were proposals to establish state-of-the-art abattoirs and expand international trade in processed livestock products. These initiatives, he emphasized, would adhere to global standards and certifications, positioning Gombe State as a hub for premium livestock products.
Furthermore, Professor Abubakar unveiled plans for innovative online marketing platforms and youth employment initiatives, promising unprecedented opportunities for economic growth and development in the state and Northern Nigeria.
Earlier speaking, the Chairman National Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA Gombe State chapter Dr. Adamu Boyi, commended the project coordinator for his forward-thinking approach. He echoed the importance of modernizing the livestock sector for societal health and prosperity.
Dr. Boyi emphasized NVMA’s readiness to collaborate closely with LPRES to achieve shared objectives. He recognized the pivotal role of initiatives such as disease surveillance and farmer capacity building in transitioning to modern livestock practices.
They both underscored the imperative of collective action across sectors to drive forward the agenda of livestock modernization. They reiterated their commitment to working together to realize a future of enhanced productivity, sustainability, and prosperity in Gombe State’s livestock industry.