Gov Radda unveils N5.7bn goat rearing initiative for women in Katsina

As part of efforts to empower women and local farmers in Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda has announced that his administration has invested N5.7 billion in goat rearing.

He also pledged to position the state as a powerhouse in livestock production in the near future.

The Governor made this announcement on Monday during the distribution of 40,000 goats as part of the goat-rearing initiative, providing 10 goats to women in each of the 361 wards in the Daura Local Government Area.

“This moment marks not only a significant milestone in our agricultural journey but also a transformative step toward achieving our ambition of making Katsina State a leading hub for livestock production in the northern region and across our great nation, Nigeria.

“The Goat Rearing Initiative, which costs N5.7bn, is designed to empower local farmers, especially women groups, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and community-level committees by providing them with the resources, training, and support they need to rear goats successfully.

“We will implement training programmes for our people, equipping them with skills necessary to engage in effective breeding practices. This programme will cover essential aspects such as animal nutrition, health management, and sustainable farming techniques.”

The governor also announced that the state will establish another goat farm in the Katsina zone.

“This year, the government is establishing a goat farm in the Rimi Local Government of the Katsina senatorial zone for the purpose of genetic improvement, high milk, and manure. This will also serve as a multiplier for goat production, breeding, and animal husbandry, as well as a training centre.

“Today, together, we can push our state to the forefront in livestock production, improving not only the economic landscape but also the spatial firebreak of our communities,” he said.

He, therefore, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. “We want to thank President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development in the nation.

Earlier, the Special Adviser on Livestock and Grazing Reserves to the governor, Yusuf Sulaiman said the initiative aligned with the crucial role women play in driving economic progress and societal development.

“By providing them with the necessary resources and support, we are confident that they will thrive and become catalysts for positive change in their respective communities”, he said.

Sulaiman further said, the government will establish three livestock centres where the distributed animals will be treated and inoculated against diseases to ensure their good health.

Also speaking, the Emir of Daura, Faruk Faruk, thanked Radda’s transformative leadership and commitment to economic development.

According to him, in less than two years under the leadership of Governor Dikko Radda, Katsina State has witnessed remarkable progress. In less than two years, you have led Katsina out of hardship and placed it on the path of prosperity. Everyone who visits will see the impact of your leadership and its valuable years to come.

“It is truly a great blessing that you have entrusted key positions to capable individuals who are honest and dedicated.

“The initiative to provide women with essential support, such as livestock to sustain their livelihood, is an act of charity that will leave a lasting impact. It is our collective duty to ensure that women, orphans, and children in need receive the necessary assistance, including access to education and economic empowerment such as this”, the Emir said.

Each beneficiary from the women group will be given four heads of goats, one male, and three females, and one large-scale farmer will be given 50 heads of goats.

However, beneficiaries would repay in kind by returning an equal number of animals after a specified period.

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