The Kogi State Government, through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, has distributed pasture farm inputs and equipment to 500 livestock farmers drawn from 50 clusters across the 21 local government areas of the state.
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The distribution took place during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement held in Lokoja, where government officials, traditional rulers, project coordinators and beneficiaries gathered to discuss efforts aimed at improving livestock production and strengthening farmer resilience in Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of Kogi L-PRES, Mr Abdulkabir Onuoroyoiza Otaru, described the intervention as another major step towards transforming the livestock sector and improving pasture development across the state.
According to him, the programme is part of broader efforts by the Kogi State Government, with support from the Federal Government and the World Bank, to address long-standing challenges affecting livestock farmers.
“Today’s event marks another significant milestone in the efforts of the Kogi State Government, through the L-PRES Project, to strengthen livestock production systems, improve pasture development, and enhance the resilience and productivity of livestock farmers across the State,” he said.
Mr Otaru explained that livestock production remains a key part of Nigeria’s agricultural economy because of its contributions to food security, nutrition, employment and rural livelihoods.
He, however, noted that the sector continues to struggle with several challenges including seasonal feed shortages, poor pasture development, climate-related pressures, low productivity and recurring resource-based conflicts.
He said the intervention was designed to help farmers improve pasture establishment and livestock feeding while also supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
The beneficiaries received pasture seeds, organic fertilisers, knapsack sprayers, fodder choppers and technical support services to improve pasture management and value addition.
Represented by the Animal Husbandry Officer, Mr Adeniyi Oloninisi, the SPC described the distributed materials as an investment in the future of livestock production in the state.
“These inputs are not just materials. They are investments in productivity, sustainability, and the future of livestock development in Kogi State,” he said.
He added that meaningful growth in the livestock sector would require collaboration among government institutions, development partners, traditional leaders, farmers and private sector players.
Mr Otaru also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising agricultural transformation, especially livestock development in the state.
He further appreciated the support of the Commissioner for Livestock Development, the National Project Coordination Office, the World Bank and other implementing partners involved in the programme.
“Let us continue to strengthen our partnership and collective commitment towards building a modern, resilient, peaceful, and economically viable livestock sector for the benefit of our people and future generations,” he added.
The coordinator urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed to them, noting that the success of the programme would be measured by improvements in pasture availability, livestock productivity and farmers’ incomes.
Also speaking, the Bajana of Obajana, HRH Oba Dr Idowu Isenibi, praised the intervention and described it as evidence of government’s commitment to rural communities and farmers.
“I am a farmer myself, and that is why I understand the value of what has just happened here. We promise Kogi L-PRES that whatever is given to us today will be used judiciously,” the monarch said.
Managing Director of the Kogi Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Dr George Ogirima, also applauded Governor Ododo for placing agriculture among the state’s priorities.
He noted that Kogi was among the first states in Nigeria to domesticate the Ministry of Livestock Development.
“Under Gov Ododo, Kogi is doing well in agriculture. We expect success stories, not excuses. Use these inputs well and report back so we can scale up the project,” he said.
Beneficiaries including Mrs Rebecca Oluwi from Mopamuro, Mrs Asovi Ibrahim from Okene and Mrs Binta Yahaya from Dekina thanked the Kogi L-PRES Project, the Federal Government and the World Bank for the support.
They said the intervention would improve pasture farming, livestock feeding and their overall livelihoods while helping farmers reduce losses caused by feed shortages.
