By Moses Nwite, Abakaliki
The Minister for Livestock Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar, has reiterated the commitment of his office to reform the industry in order to improve animal protein supply and production.
The Minister said this during the Biennial Conference and General Meeting of the Society for Grassland Research and Development in Nigeria (SOGREENDEN), which took place at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria.
The Minister, who was represented at the conference by Eustace Iyayi, said livestock reform and development would not only improve the healthy living of Nigerians but also boost the country’s economy.
The State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Stanley Okoroemegha, who also doubled as the Chairman of the occasion, said he was impressed by the subject of discourse at the conference, as it would help in boosting the Gross Domestic Product of the country.
The Chairman, who was represented by the lawmaker representing Onicha East State Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr Ifeanyi Celestine Ogba, said the subject matter, which was Grassland Research and Development in Nigeria: Focusing on Livestock Reform and National Security, concerns everyone in the country, both men and women.
“It was not just a jamboree, I have spent 7 hours inside the hall there putting heads together, trying to proffer the best solution for livestock management and development in Nigeria.
“Today was just a flag off, and it is going to last till Friday, and I assure you that before the end of the program, a solution will be provided and it will be put into practice,” Ogba said. He also received an award of excellence from SOGREENDEN.
The Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Internal Security, Ivo Local Government Area, Mr Cletus Ike, and his wife, Ngozi, who were given awards, said there is a need for all hands to be on deck to boost security in the country, as that would help improve the general well-being of both humans and livestock, especially in the hinterlands.
The National President of the Society for Grassland Research and Development in Nigeria (SOGREENDEN), Professor Olanite Jimoh, appreciated all who graced the occasion and urged everyone to be a driving force toward achieving the aims of SOGREENDEN.
The former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Professor Placid Njoku; Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Professor Michael Awoke; Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Michael Otuma; and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku, were all present to proffer solutions to the challenges hampering livestock production, development, and advancement in the country.