The Kwara State Government has launched a state-wide anthrax vaccination campaign aimed at safeguarding livestock health, enhancing public health, and fostering food security.
In a statement, Omotola Ashaolu, the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development , said the initiative was flagged off in Lamba Community, Asa Local Government Area, with stakeholders and dignitaries commending the effort as a milestone for the state’s agricultural sector.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas during the flagged off, highlighted the importance of the campaign in combating the deadly anthrax virus.
The governor noted that healthier livestock would result in increased productivity, higher incomes for farmers, and an overall boost to Kwara’s agricultural economy.
“This vaccination campaign is a bold step towards securing a healthier and more prosperous Kwara.
“By prioritizing livestock health, we ensure better yields, greater earnings for farmers, and a stronger agricultural economy,” he said.
As part of broader agricultural reforms, Governor AbdulRazaq disclosed plans to revive the abandoned Kaiama Cattle Ranch, equipping it with clean water and nutritious feed for livestock.
Moreover,he announced a pilot project to establish over 100 hectares of pasture in every local government area is underway, aiming to improve livestock yields and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
“The campaign’s success has been bolstered by the governor’s timely payment of counterpart funds required by the World Bank for the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRESS) project.
“This proactive move has positioned Kwara State as a national leader in agricultural interventions”, he added.
Also, Abdulrazaq Jidah, the governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties, commended his principal for implementing the first large-scale livestock vaccination in the state in over two decades.
“This administration has demonstrated its commitment to creating a safer, healthier, and more hygienic Kwara,” he said.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Funke Sokoya, lauded the governor’s visionary leadership and urged livestock owners to participate in the vaccination drive when the LPRESS team visits their communities.
Furthermore, Abdullateef Salman Olugbon, Director of Veterinary Services, underscored the campaign’s economic benefits, citing reduced livestock mortality and increased revenue for farmers.
