The Ministry of Livestock Development has commenced it’s operations even without a substantive minister.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the ministry to undertake an on-the -spot assessment of the impact of the disaster on the livestock subsector in the state.
This followed reports that 80 percent of livestock’s were affected in the Borno Flood,
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Chinyere Akujobi during a courtesy visit to the Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum said President Tinubu is committed towards ameliorating the consequences of the disaster on the livestock industry.
Emphasizing the need for a ‘livestock oriented’ component in Disaster Management,she disclosed that the ministry had set up an Expert Working Group (EWG) to work out viable and sustainable template of disaster response and management for the livestock sector.
Akujobi said that the group was tasked with undertaking detailed, on the spot assessment of the extent of damage wreaked on the livestock sector, while proffering immediate, short, medium and long-term measures aimed at supporting stakeholders in the sector.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by he EWG consisting of veterinarians, animal scientists, Agricultural Economists among other experts on the mission to Borno, where she held meetings with the State Governor as well as the Shehu of Borno, who both recognized the challenges foisted on the State by the disaster while emphasizing the importance of a specific recovery plan aimed at the livestock sector.
The delegation also held meetings with representatives from different segments of the livestock value chain, gaining first-hand insight into the hardships experienced by livestock farmers and other value chain actors in the industry. These stakeholders shared their experiences of losses and challenges, calling for government support to help them rebuild their livelihoods and sustain their families.
To address the immediate needs of livestock farmers, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) – a World Bank assisted Program – is proactively setting up a model veterinary hospital This facility will provide veterinary care, act as an Emergency Operation Centre, offer training opportunities, and support private veterinary practices. “These initiatives aim to enhance the resilience of the livestock sector,*protect animal and public health* Akujobi reiterated.
The assessment process will ultimately contribute valuable insights for developing effective interventions to assist the livestock sub-sector’s post-disaster recovery” Akujobi stated, noting that “by implementing holistic livestock-targeted solutions, we will be rebuilding the livelihoods of affected livestock farmers, thereby contributing to the resilience and *economic recovery* of the state and country at large”
The Permanent Secretary noted that, as efforts progress, collaboration among critical stakeholders – Government (both federal, state and local), Private Sector, and the Development Partner community – will be critical for success.
