Federal Government Collaborate With Benue State To Boost Livestock Development 

The Benue State Government says it is committed to enhancing livestock breeding and fostering economic growth through strategic partnerships with the Federal Government. 

 

The Director General, Bureau of Livestock Development & Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, in a press statement to the Media said the state did not cede any land to the federal government rather the Livestock Breeding and Investigation Centre, Raav, a state-owned facility, is being used to hosts valuable cattle herds that are part of the state’s livestock development program.

 

Dr.Asambe explained that the Benue State during the inaugural Benue Livestock Summit, Governor of the State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia highlighted the state’s need for federal government support to conserve and breed the Muturu cattle breed (Bua Tiv), a breed of significant cultural and economic value to the people of Benue.

 

 

“The call for federal intervention led to a visit from the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who expressed a keen interest in advancing the potential of Raav.

 

At the facility, the Minister emphasized the importance of expanding fodder production to support sustainable livestock farming.

 

He encouraged the Benue State Government, through the Bureau of Livestock Development, to dedicate 500 hectares of the 3,000+ hectares at Raav for the cultivation of high-quality livestock fodder, which will benefit both the state and national markets. The initiative is poised to create opportunities for local farmers, enhance food security, and promote export potential”.

 

He added that the initiative has attracted the Federal government’s interest and the state was ready to create an enabling environment.

 

“To ensure the success of this initiative, the Federal Government has committed to providing seedlings for fodder production and supporting the clearing and fencing of the land for the project.”

 

Dr. Asambe also recalled that: “The Minister’s statement clarified that no land has been ceded to the Federal Government for ranching, and the focus remains on developing fodder production to support the growing livestock sector.

 

“This collaboration between the Benue State Government and the Federal Government demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing agricultural productivity, creating jobs, and strengthening the local economy.

 

By working together, both levels of government aim to unlock the full potential of the state’s livestock resources and position Benue as a leader in sustainable agriculture and livestock production”.

 

The Benue State Government remains committed to its role in facilitating economic development, preserving cultural heritage, and creating new opportunities for local communities through strategic investments in agriculture and livestock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyenike Oyeniyi