EKITI L-PRES TARGETS LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION TO CREATE WEALTH, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND FOOD SECURITY.

The State Project Implementation Unit of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project has presented 2024 Annual Workplan and Budget (AWP&B) to the State Steering Committee (L-PRES) in Ado Ekiti. The Workplan is aimed at improving Livestock Production, ensure active participation of  women in livestock production,  create job opportunities for the teeming youths in the value chain and ensure food safety 

The Chairman of State Steering Committee, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade has assured that the  implementation of 2024 Annual Workplan and Budget of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L- PRES)  would focus on value chains that would improve the  Gross Domestic product (GDP)  of the State economy.

He said government has determined to increase the output and quality of livestock and livestock products by strengthening the resilience of the key players in poultry production, Sheep, and goat, Abattoir and Cattle Market operations. 

Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade said attention will also be given to pasture value chain as an avenue to create sustainable jobs considering the income  from pasture development. Production of abundant grasses and legumes for cattle and other ruminants will also reduce conflict between farmers and herders in the State 

In his welcome address, State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olayinka Adedipe said the project would improve the Cattle Market and Abattoir along Iworoko Road,Ado Ekiti. 

The SPC further said that, the project  aimed at upgrading the Veterinary clinic with  State-of-the- earth equipments in Ado Ekiti and its environs to sustain animal health in the State. 

Adedipe said, to forestall crisis between farmers and herders, Ekiti State Farmers / Herders Peace Committee will be strengthened as operational tools would be provided, to manage crisis and redress mechanism

In his comment, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode stressed that the workplan would need to capture mainly activities that are beneficial to the livestock farmers who are the main target of the L-PRES project and embark on operational activities that will elevate the internally generated revenue of the State.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Public Utilities and Infrastructure, Prof. Bolaji Aluko advised the implementation Unit to focus on achievable and realizable projects within the time frame of one year in the estimated Budget.

In her Opinion, Commissioner for Investment,Trade and Industry, Hon. Omotayo Adeola said the work plan should capture public and private organisations to drive the value chains for seamless delivery of the project. She also mentioned that the livestock farmers who are the main target of the L-PRES project should be considered and  projects  such as establishment of poultry village, processing unit,  cattle market among others that can increase the  internally generated revenue of the State should be of priority.

In her observation,  Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. 'Peju Babafemi said pragmatic awareness and mobilization campaigns are needed to bring women in Agriculture (WIA) and other women groups in livestock production to participate in the project.

In his contribution, Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd) said security of lives and properties would be achieved  by providing necessary tools in agricultural hub in tandem with the 6 pillars of BAO administration. He advocated for inclusiveness of the host communities in the implementation of the LPRES project.