The Enugu State Government, through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) initiative, has embarked on the massive training of over 450 livestock farmers selected across the 17 local government areas of the state.
The training, focused on livestock business development and investment planning, commenced on Friday and was held at the Master Skills Development and Service Ltd Conference Hall, Enugu.
Addressing the participants, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, explained that the training aims to equip livestock farmers with essential information to boost their productivity, commercialization and resilience in different value chain.
She highlighted Enugu State’s significant progress in livestock farming, particularly pig farming which have given Enugu State comparative advantage among other state with its potential for leadership on the African continent.
“The objective of this exercise is to enhance productivity among livestock farmers in the state. We are currently ranked among the top three in the nation in livestock production, especially pig farming, and we aspire to lead in Africa. Our Governor, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, is deeply committed to growing the state’s economy through livestock production. The target of ₦100 billion in revenue is achievable within the next few months, given the efforts made to revamp the livestock sector,” Dr. Nnajieze stated.
She also revealed that the state government recently trained some livestock farmers on Artificial Insemination and Cross Breeding at National Animal Production Research Institute, Zaria. According to her, the initiative has started yielding results, as many participants are already applying the knowledge they gained.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Donor-Related Agencies, represented by the Director of Administration at the Donor Relations Office, Mr. Adonu Sylva, commended the efforts of L-PRES in enhancing livestock production. He assured the participants that their office would provide all necessary support to achieve the program’s goals.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Enugu State, Hon. Nwabueze Ubru, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Victor Ngwu, reiterated Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s commitment to livestock farmers in the state. He emphasized that the training was designed to provide farmers with the knowledge needed to transition into large-scale producers.
Prof. Benjamin Maribe, Chief Consultant of Master Skills Development and Service Ltd, praised Governor Mbah for his developmental strides. He expressed confidence that Enugu would soon become a beacon of hope for agriculture in Africa.
The university professor and veterinary medicine expert urged participants to seize the opportunities presented by the training.
The ongoing training covers various livestock value chains, including pig farming, poultry, and cattle rearing, among others.
