The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), funded by the World Bank, has empowered 500 women and youth in Kogi State to enhance poultry farming practices. The initiative, aimed at improving livestock productivity and resilience, was celebrated in an interactive session held at the Government House in Lokoja on July 31, 2024.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who met with the L-PRES beneficiaries, assured ongoing support for World Bank projects that benefit the state. He highlighted that L-PRES is a six-year project designed to boost livestock productivity, resilience, and commercialization, aligning with his administration’s plans to position Kogi State as a leading hub for livestock production.
Ododo urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to transform the livestock sector in Kogi State and announced a donation of one hundred thousand Naira (#100,000) to each participant as logistical support for their businesses. He also pledged to mobilize service providers to supply necessary inputs for the project.
Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, Kogi State Coordinator of L-PRES, detailed that the 500 beneficiaries were selected from all 21 local government areas. The project aims to enhance livelihoods and create self-employment in rural areas. Beneficiaries involved in broiler production will receive day-old chicks, feeds, drugs, and vaccines, while those in egg production will get Point of Lay (POL) birds, feeds, and drugs. Additionally, those in marketing and processing will be provided with preservation equipment, including deep freezers, generators, stabilizers, and packaging materials.
State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah, praised the selection process and assured that his ministry would oversee the project’s success, emphasizing the governor’s commitment to the agricultural sector and food security.
Dr. Abdullahi Sani Ozomata, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor-Funded Projects, described the L-PRES initiative as a valuable opportunity and encouraged beneficiaries to fully engage with the project to foster personal and community development.
News Editor