Gombe L-PRES Hosts NVMA, Reaffirms Commitment to Stakeholder Collaboration
…Promises Support in Preventing Anthrax, Bird Flu in Gombe State
The Gombe State Livestock Productivity Resilience and Support (L-PRES) Project hosted the leadership of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Gombe State chapter for a courtesy visit at the project’s coordination office in Gombe.
Welcoming the delegation, the State Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar expressed gratitude for their visit, emphasizing its significance beyond a mere courtesy call.
“This visit, will strengthen our relationship and foster collaboration towards the successful implementation of our activities”, he stated, underscoring the crucial role veterinarians play in the livestock business and the overall well-being and prosperity of the people.
Professor Abubakar reiterated the L-PRES Project’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders. He stated, “We are dedicated to serving our people and improving their lives and the state’s economy.”
He attributed the L-PRES Project’s successes to the support and visionary leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. “Without his support and foresight, we would not have achieved this level of progress, and the Gombe State livestock subsector would not be where it is today.”
He acknowledged Governor Yahaya’s commitment to the project’s objectives, stating, “Since assuming office, His Excellency has never interfered with our work or pressured us to favor any individual. His focus has always been on improving the lives of our people and developing our state”.
Professor Abubakar commended the Federal Government for establishing the Ministry of Livestock, recognizing its significance in developing a sector that contributes significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product but has historically been neglected.
He highlighted the L-PRES Project’s substantial contributions to the livestock sector, emphasizing the need for sustainable initiatives.
“After the successful implementation of L-PRES projects, we must focus on long-term sustainability through education and modern approaches.” He further stressed the importance of innovative thinking and exploring new avenues for sustainable development.
Addressing the recent outbreaks of Anthrax and Bird Flu in other parts of the country, Professor Abubakar emphasized the importance of vigilance and preparedness.
He informed the NVMA members that the Gombe L-PRES Project had conducted a proactive vaccination campaign against Anthrax and is ready to provide any necessary support to combat these diseases. He urged the veterinarians to report any suspicious symptoms to the relevant authorities.
The State Coordinator assured the NVMA of the L-PRES Project’s commitment to supporting their professional development. He emphasized the need for capacity building programs to equip veterinarians with the skills and knowledge to address emerging challenges in the livestock sector.
Professor U. B. highlighted that with the span of two years, Gombe L-PRES has recorded remarkable achievements. He noted the significance of the upcoming International Livestock Market and Ultra-Modern Abattoir.
“This mega-project will not only benefit Gombe State or the country, but also the entire African continent.” He emphasized the benefits of a modernized and hygienic slaughter process, including improved animal welfare, enhanced product safety, and increased economic benefits for livestock farmers.
He also outlined plans for a modern dairy processing plant, including the collection of milk from farmers, the establishment of a milk processing center in the state capital, and the production of various dairy products.
To further strengthen the livestock sector, the L-PRES Project plans to recruit and train private veterinarians who will be assigned to specific communities to provide extension services. The coordinator noted that this initiative, implemented in only two states – Gombe and Ekiti – will significantly enhance livestock production and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Gombe State Chapter, Dr. Adamu Hamma Boyi, expressed appreciation for the L-PRES interventions, stating that they would significantly contribute to the development of the livestock sector and support the veterinary profession.
The Chairman specifically commended the renovation of the veterinary clinic at the Tashan Dukku Cattle Market, the renovation of the Gombe abattoir and many other abattoirs in Local Government Areas, the renovation of livestock local markets, and the upgrade of Farmer Field Schools, among other projects.
“Above all,” he stated, “the ambitious international livestock market and ultramodern abattoir project is the first of its kind in the whole of northern Nigeria. When established, this complex will significantly support our profession.”
He explained that the veterinary profession had been neglected in the past, with government attention shifting towards crop production.
Dr Boyi acknowledged that Gombe State has achieved significant progress in livestock development and commended the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock, stating that this will help the state continue its excellent work in the sector.
He appealed to the L-PRES Project to support the NVMA in preventing and controlling Anthrax and bird flu, which have been reported in some states of the federation.
It is important to note that, in September of last year, the L-PRES Project supported the Ministry of Agriculture by providing 400,000 doses of Anthrax Spore Vaccine (ASV) from the National L-PRES office. This timely intervention was crucial in supporting animal health services within the state and played a significant role in preventing and containing the spread of this communicable disease.
