Kogi Govt Clears Air on Egbe Livestock Project, Says No Return of Banned Cattle Market
Kogi State Government has dismissed claims of reopening the banned Egbe cattle market, clarifying that the ongoing project is a World Bank-supported livestock market rehabilitation programme designed to boost agriculture and community development.
Kogi Govt Clears Air on Egbe Livestock Project, Says No Return of Banned Cattle Market
The Kogi State Government has moved to address growing concerns surrounding the ongoing livestock market intervention in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, insisting that the project is not a reopening of the previously banned Kara cattle market but a structured rehabilitation programme aimed at improving livestock trade and agricultural development.
The clarification was issued by the Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development following reports and public discussions suggesting that the state government had approved the return of cattle trading activities at the old market.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, the ministry described the claims as inaccurate and capable of creating unnecessary tension among residents.
The Commissioner explained that the intervention is part of the World Bank-supported Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, designed to rehabilitate livestock markets across the state and improve the productivity of farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the livestock value chain.
According to the ministry, the project was initiated in early 2024 and was not connected to recent security concerns in parts of Kogi State or the country.
The government stated that similar livestock market rehabilitation projects are ongoing in eight other locations across the state’s nine federal constituencies, including Okumi in Lokoja, Ero in Ajaokuta, Ejule in Ofu, Ankpa, Kabba, Sheria in Bassa, Okene, and Osa/Gada in Adavi Local Government Area.
For Yagba Federal Constituency, the ministry explained that the project is being located within the Egbe Central Market to ensure effective community supervision, monitoring, and ownership.
Community Consultation, Local Control Central to Project
The ministry revealed that the decision followed engagements with traditional leaders, community representatives, and other stakeholders in Egbe before the commencement of the rehabilitation work.
It stated that agreements reached during the consultations were documented, with key provisions guiding the operation of the facility.
Among the resolutions, the ministry noted that the rehabilitated market will focus on goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, poultry, dogs, and other small and medium livestock, while cattle trading activities will remain excluded.
The government also clarified that no permanent structures, including kiosks, containers, sheds, or buildings, will be allowed within or around the market environment to maintain proper management and orderliness.
The administration further stated that the management of the market will remain under the control of the host community through traditional institutions and a market management committee made up of local indigenes.
This arrangement, according to the ministry, is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and community participation.
Government Urges Support for Development Initiative
The Ministry of Livestock Development maintained that the project is a community-focused economic intervention expected to create opportunities for farmers, traders, transporters, veterinary workers, youths, and women while supporting local economic growth.
Dr. Bolarin stressed that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to balancing security protection with programmes that improve the livelihood of residents.
The ministry appealed to residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, and market associations across Yagba to disregard misinformation and support initiatives capable of attracting development to the area.
It warned that rejecting development projects based on unverified information could deny communities opportunities for economic growth and improved social infrastructure.