The Federal Government has inaugurated the L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno, as part of efforts to strengthen animal healthcare and boost livestock productivity in the state.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha, inaugurated the facility on Wednesday, saying it was constructed and equipped under the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.
Maiha said seven model veterinary hospitals had so far been completed in Adamawa, Sokoto, Enugu, Niger, Ondo, Edo and Borno, while 14 others were at various stages of completion across the country.
He described the Borno facility as the largest of the completed hospitals, citing the state’s significant livestock population.
According to him, the Federal Government plans to establish a model veterinary hospital in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Maiha said the Maiduguri facility was equipped with a modern surgical theatre, diagnostic laboratory and radiology unit to provide specialized veterinary services in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
He urged the Borno Government to prioritize the recruitment, training and continuous professional development of veterinary and para-veterinary personnel to ensure effective use of the facility.
The minister also commended Gov. Babagana Zulum, members of the State Executive Council and the House of Assembly for their support for livestock development initiatives.
The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, said Borno had benefited from several interventions through its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Kadafur said more than 39 facilities had been established across three ranching centres in the state’s senatorial districts to improve livestock production and the welfare of pastoral communities.
He called for stronger federal and cross-border collaboration to manage transboundary livestock movement, particularly along routes connecting Borno with neighboring countries.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Development, Dr Tijjani Muhammad, said the interventions would strengthen animal husbandry, improve access to water, raise livestock productivity and enhance the welfare of communities dependent on livestock.
Muhammad disclosed that the state’s breed improvement program, which involves the artificial insemination of 3,000 cows, was ongoing.
He added that Borno was expecting further investments to strengthen its dairy value chain, promote value addition and create sustainable economic opportunities for livestock-dependent communities.
source: NAN
