Kogi L-PRES Supports 500 Pasture Farmers With Inputs to Improve Livestock Production Across 21 LGAs
By Stephen Adeleye
Kogi L-PRES has distributed pasture farming inputs and equipment to 500 livestock farmers across Kogi State to improve productivity, strengthen resilience and enhance rural livelihoods.
The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has distributed pasture development inputs and equipment to 500 livestock farmers drawn from 50 clusters across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The intervention, unveiled during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement held on Thursday in Lokoja, is aimed at improving pasture development, enhancing livestock productivity and strengthening the livelihoods of farmers across Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator of Kogi L-PRES, Mr Abdulkabir Onuoroyoiza Otaru, described the initiative as another major step toward transforming the livestock sector in the state.
According to him, the livestock sector remains a critical component of Nigeria’s agricultural economy due to its contributions to food security, nutrition, employment and rural development.
Otaru, who was represented by the Animal Husbandry Officer, Mr Adeniyi Oloninisi, noted that the sector continues to face challenges including poor pasture development, seasonal feed shortages, climate-related pressures, low productivity and resource-based conflicts.
He explained that the Kogi L-PRES Project, with support from the Federal Government and the World Bank, was implementing strategic programmes designed to make livestock production more productive, resilient and sustainable.
The project coordinator disclosed that beneficiaries would receive pasture seeds, organic fertilizers, knapsack sprayers, fodder choppers and technical support services to improve pasture establishment, management and value addition.
“These inputs are not just materials; they are investments in productivity, sustainability and the future of livestock development in Kogi State,” he said.
Otaru stressed the need for collaboration among government agencies, development partners, traditional institutions, farmers and private sector stakeholders to achieve sustainable growth within the livestock sector.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to agricultural transformation, particularly in the area of livestock development.
The coordinator further acknowledged the support of the Commissioner for Livestock Development, the National Project Coordination Office, the World Bank and members of the implementation team for their contributions toward the success of the programme.
He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the distributed inputs, noting that the success of the intervention would be measured by improved pasture availability, increased productivity and higher incomes for farmers.
Speaking at the event, the Bajana of Obajana, HRH Oba Dr Idowu Isenibi, described the initiative as a reflection of government’s commitment to supporting rural communities and farmers.
“I am a farmer myself, so I understand the importance of this intervention. We assure Kogi L-PRES that the items distributed today will be put to good use,” the monarch said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Kogi Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Dr George Ogirima, praised Governor Ododo for prioritising agriculture and livestock development in the state.
He noted that Kogi was among the first states in the country to domesticate the Ministry of Livestock Development, adding that the administration’s policies were already yielding positive results in the agricultural sector.
“Under Governor Ododo, Kogi is making remarkable progress in agriculture. We expect beneficiaries to utilize these inputs effectively so the programme can be expanded,” Ogirima stated.
The Head of the Project Financial Management Unit, Mallam Aliyu Abdulaziz, called on beneficiaries to ensure accountability through proper utilization of the inputs and regular progress reporting.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs Rebecca Oluwi from Mopamuro, Mrs Asovi Ibrahim from Okene and Mrs Binta Yahaya from Dekina, expressed appreciation to Kogi L-PRES as well as the federal and state governments for the intervention.
They said the support would improve pasture farming, strengthen livestock feeding systems and increase household incomes.
The Kogi L-PRES Project, supported by the Federal Government and the World Bank, said the intervention is expected to reduce feed shortages, improve livestock productivity and enhance food security across the state.