The Gombe State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has received the leadership and members of the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (ANGOs) in Gombe State, who paid a courtesy visit to explore collaboration opportunities for the effective implementation of the project.

 

Welcoming the delegation, the State Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, described the visit as a “homecoming,” emphasizing that L-PRES remains open to partnerships that will enhance the seamless execution of its mandate.

 

Providing an overview of the project, Prof. Abubakar stated that L-PRES is a six-year initiative funded by the World Bank in collaboration with the Federal and State Governments, aimed at modernizing livestock farming, building resilience, and enhancing the commercialization of selected livestock value chains.

 

Since its inception, the project has successfully executed numerous interventions, including the dredging of water bodies, drilling of boreholes to provide water for livestock and farming communities, and extensive training programs on modern livestock practices.

 

“We have trained stakeholders on crop residue utilization as livestock feed, fodder seedling production for environmental sustainability, and free artificial insemination services for local cows to boost dairy production, among other initiatives,” he stated.

 

Prof. Abubakar also highlighted ongoing efforts to re-demarcate and remap grazing reserves and cattle routes to prevent conflicts between farmers and herders. Additionally, L-PRES is deploying drones and GIS technology to monitor these reserves, ensuring their sustainability.

 

He further revealed that Gombe State has designed an International Livestock Market and an Ultramodern Abattoir on a 41-hectare site—a landmark project that will reduce transportation risks for livestock traders, create job opportunities, and boost the state’s economy.

 

Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, Yusuf Bachama, the Team Lead of ANGOs, commended the strategic importance of the L-PRES Project, noting its impact on livestock development, land conservation, and economic opportunities, especially for grassroots communities.

 

“We are here to familiarize ourselves with the project, establish a strong working relationship with its leadership, and gain insight into its structure and design. This will enable us to effectively educate host communities on their role in ensuring the success of the project,” he stated.

 

He further emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between L-PRES and various NGOs to enhance public awareness and maximize the benefits of the project.

 

The visit marked a significant step toward strengthening partnerships aimed at improving livestock productivity, enhancing security, and fostering economic growth in Gombe State.