Gombe L-PRES Sensitises LG Chairmen To Improve Synergy, Project Sustainability
The Gombe State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, convened a meeting with Local Government Chairmen under the auspices of ALGON to enhance collaboration and foster awareness among stakeholders regarding ongoing L-PRES activities within their respective Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the engagement meeting held at Emerald Hotel Gombe, Professor Abubakar emphasized that the L-PRES project, a World Bank-assisted initiative, is focused on modernizing the livestock sector while improving the livelihoods of the people.
He highlighted that the six-year project has successfully implemented numerous interventions and established significant infrastructure across the state. Recognizing the immense livestock potential of all 11 LGAs, Professor Abubakar emphasized that harnessing this potential will not only improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers but also significantly boost the LGAs’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“The dairy sector presents a significant opportunity,” Professor Abubakar stated. “To address the challenges faced by local milk producers, including transportation risks and low returns, we are establishing five milk producers’ cooperative societies in each Local Government Area. This will improve their profitability, generate revenue for the government, and create employment opportunities.”
He further explained that the project will establish milk collection centers at each cooperative, facilitating the efficient collection and transportation of milk to a dedicated processing plant in Gombe. “Our goal is to extract at least 13 value-added products from the milk, significantly enhancing the value chain,” Professor Abubakar emphasized. “To maximize job creation and wealth generation for our people, we prioritize establishing the processing plant within Gombe State.”
The project is investing significantly in modernizing livestock infrastructure. This includes the rehabilitation of livestock markets in Lalaipido, Kashere, Bajoga, and other key locations across the state. The upcoming construction of an international livestock market and an ultramodern abattoir in the state capital will further enhance revenue generation for the Local Governments and improve the livelihoods of the people.
Recognizing the critical issue of farmer-herder conflicts, the project proposes the establishment of strategically located control posts/resting places along major cattle routes. Equipped with industrial boreholes, stores, and adequate security measures, these facilities will facilitate the orderly movement of livestock, particularly during critical periods such as harvest season.
Addressing the issue of farmer-herder conflicts, Professor Abubakar explained that His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has issued directives for the re-demarcation and mapping of grazing reserves and forest areas across the state, and the L-PRES Project is actively involved in this crucial undertaking.
Other key interventions mentioned by the Coordinator include breed improvement through artificial insemination involving over 400 local cows for improved productivity and the introduction of a livestock identification system to curb cattle rustling.
Responding on behalf of the 11 LG Chairmen, the Chairman of ALGON and Executive Chairman of Gombe LGA, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna, thanked the L-PRES Coordinator for convening the meeting. He acknowledged that the presentations provided valuable insights into crucial issues of concern for the local governments.
Barrister Haruna commended L-PRES interventions, especially in local areas, stressing that they have been making a significant impact on the lives of people at the grassroots. He appealed to the L-PRES Coordinator to schedule another time to present the 2025 work plan to the Chairmen, enabling them to work together and identify common areas for greater synergy and collaboration.
The Chairmen of Akko LGA, Hon. Mohammad Danladi Adamu, Kwami LGA, Dr. Ahmed Doho, and Yamaltu Deba LGA, Abubakar Hassan Difa, all extolled L-PRES for its kind interventions and appreciated the intention to execute more projects.
They, however, raised concerns over farmer-herder conflicts and how the local herders are making it difficult to curtail these frequent and recurring conflicts.
“We appreciate the intention to establish control posts,” noted the Chairman of Kwami LGA, “but we must acknowledge that herders often seek alternative routes to avoid these checkpoints.”
Also present during the engagement were the Personal Private Secretary to Gombe State Governor, Professor Muazu Shehu, other LG Chairmen, and members of the L-PRES team.
