Gombe State Commissioner Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration Alhaji Shehu Yerima Abdullahi has lauded the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) for spearheading the use of modern technologies to enhance the development of livestock sector in the state.

 

Alhaji Shehu Yerima Abdullahi made the remarks when he paid a courtesy visit to the L-PRES Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar at the Project Coordination Office yesterday.

 

He said the innovative approach of imbibing modern practices in the livestock sector in the state is a welcome development that would go along way towards improving livestock production, describing the project as a role model not only in the North East region but the country at large.

 

While commending the resilience of Project Coordinator and his team, Alhaji Shehu Yerima Abdullahi expressed hope that the project will in the near future curb the menace of insecurity and joblessness that has confronted the region by opening up jobs and employment opportunities for women and youth in the state.

 

The Commissioner hinted that his ministry’s responsibility includes promotion of regional integration and development. He called on L-PRES Project to participate in the next North East Governors forum meeting to highlight its success stories towards livestock development in the region.

 

He emphasized the need for closer collaboration with his ministry to actualize the vision of the State Governor Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya in making Gombe the hub of economic activities in the region.

 

In his remarks, the Project Coordinator expressed appreciation for the visit describing it as a sign of solidarity and commitment towards achieving a common goal of promoting livestock in activities in the North East region.

 

Professor Abubakar said the introduction of modern technologies into the sector is a reflection of the global trend and increasing demand for livestock products and services which Gombe must fit in as major key player.

 

He explained that, the North East sub region has the highest population of livestock in the country and vast potentials in the sector which must be fully harnessed to generate wealth for livestock farmers and foreign exchange that is much needed for development purposes.

He stated that, with a plan to establish an International Cattle Market and Ultra Modern Abattoir, Gombe State will have the capacity to process livestock products in a more hygienic manner for both local consumption and export.

 

He added that, artificial insemination will be introduced to increase livestock fertility and enhanced dairy production urging livestock farmers to support the new initiative.

He said, the state Governor has given the project the desired support to operate and had recently led a delegation to Morocco to under study their achievements in the livestock sector for possible adoption of some of their best practices for applications in Gombe State.

 

Adding that, in the meantime, the project has directed livestock farmers and other value chain actors to commence the formation of cooperative societies. He said so far, over thirty thousand potential beneficiaries in the sector have been enumerated towards providing support and intervention by the project.