World Bank Approves Establishment Of Livestock Centre In Kogi State

The World Bank has established five Livestock Service Centres (LSC) in five States across Nigeria, as part of its strategic intervention in livestock production in Nigeria.

Kogi State Coordinator of the world bank livestock productivity enhancement project in Kogi State, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, announced this in Lokoja, north central Nigeria.

Dr Bolarin said the livestock service centre would be run by the Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES) of the world bank, as Kogi state is among the five implementing states to host the Livestock Service Centres in Nigeria.

Bolarin said that the centre was a flagship initiative under the World Bank-supported L-PRES project in the State.

Bolarin said that the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr Sanusi Abubakar, had conveyed the world bank approval, following a rigorous selection process.

“Kogi was chosen based on stringent criteria, including the availability of adequate land, strategic location, a detailed design, and a management framework.

“Another criterium includes an established livestock trade structure and the potential for modern feedlotting, processing, and marketing facilities.

“The LSC to be sited beside the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, will revolutionise livestock production in Kogi State and beyond.”

Dr Bolarin described the intervention as a transformative project, with potential to drive economic growth, and enhance food security, as it will create employment opportunities in the State, thereby making Kogi State a potential leader in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

The livestock service centre is expected to serve as a premier livestock hub of innovation and development in the livestock industry.

“By leveraging our strategic market location, industrial synergies, and academic expertise, this centre will deliver comprehensive livestock services that drive economic growth and development.

“Among the structures to be constructed are a state-of-the-art animal reference and diagnostic hospital and a modern automated poultry production system.

“Others include an artificial insemination centre, breeding, and other large and small ruminant production facilities and equipment,” Bolarin explained.

The project coordinator appreciated Gov. Ahmed Ododo for his unwavering support and commitment to the success of the project.