Stakeholders suggest ways newly created livestock ministry can function effectively

Stakeholders in the Nigerian agricultural sector, particularly the livestock value chain, have commended the Federal Government for the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development and have suggested ways the ministry can function optimally to achieve its purpose.

Recall that the Federal Government had on July 9, announced the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, saying that the ministry is needed to enhance protein production, increase employment opportunities and government revenue.

Reacting to the development, a major stakeholder in the livestock industry and the Chairman, Folhope Nigeria Limited, a company reputed for large scale production of livestock, Chief Emmanuel Folorunsho Ogunnaike, said: “The policy behind the creation of the ministry is good if backed up with sincerity and good intentions. Equal rights also matters most. There is the need for the Federal Government to get rid of saboteurs, corruption and every other thing that can hinder the smooth operation of the ministry.

“The issue of insecurity like militancy, Boko Haram, cattle herders’ crisis and kidnappers are the root cause of food insecurity and the Federal Government must also look into this. In as much cattle herders continue to unleash terror on farmers with machetes and AK 47, there cannot be a peaceful and hunger-free Nigeria.”

Also, sharing his thoughts, Managing Director, Real Concept, Mr Tunmise Olagbaju, said: “The news is a cheering news. We have been waiting for it because at different forum, we have emphasised the need to create a ministry dedicated to livestock development.

“Livestock in Nigeria has been really relegated to the background. The support has not been there like it is to crop farming. So, this is coming at a very crucial time and it cannot come at a better time than now and I think it is a step in the right direction for livestock development in Nigeria.

“Nigeria needs this and it is coming at a very crucial time. I want to say the president has taken the right step by creating this minisitry.”

We look forward to the minisitry bringing about improvement to livestock production in Nigeria. I want to congratulate every livestock farmer because our time has come.

“We have been neglected for too long and it is time for us to reap the benefit of our labour. I say kudos to the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for this decision at this right time. We look forward to various projects, programmes and series of intervention that will help livestock farmers to improve on their production and to create more jobs and opportunities for our teeming youths.”

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