…Inaugurates board
By Seun Adams
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called on the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) to collaborate with key stakeholders to drive transformation in Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The Minister made this call on Wednesday, at the inauguration of the 12th Board and newly elected Principal Officers of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) in Abuja.
He stated that achieving radical change in the sector requires transformation in critical areas such as peacebuilding, feed and fodder development, capacity building, disease-free zones, and research and development.
The Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Mr. Ben Goong, in a statement, said Maiha, noted that enhanced research efforts would enable the Council to reposition Nigeria’s livestock industry, drawing inspiration from countries like Brazil, where the livestock value chain significantly contributes to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“I want to reiterate that the VCN, as one of the foremost regulatory agencies of government, has a critical role to play in advancing the livestock sector. The task ahead calls for utmost commitment and dedication.
“With the present board comprising both new and returning members, I charge you not only to sustain past achievements but to elevate the Council’s regulatory functions within the livestock value chain,” Maiha stated.
He further urged the new board to leverage available resources, reassuring the Council of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to positioning the livestock sector as a key driver of food security, poverty reduction, increased revenue generation, and public health improvement.
He stressed the importance of disease control and surveillance, particularly in combating zoonotic diseases such as Ebola, COVID-19, Lassa Fever, Monkeypox, and the recent anthrax outbreak.
Acknowledging the funding challenges facing the VCN, the Minister assured members that efforts are underway to reinstate the Council’s inclusion in Federal Government budgetary allocations, recognising it’s critical role in regulating veterinary practice, as well as safeguarding animal and public health.
In a goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Abdu Sabi Abdullahi, encouraged the adoption of innovative approaches to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, underscored the importance of synergy among Council members to drive sectoral improvements.
President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Prof. Matthew Adamu, in his remarks, also highlighted the need for collaboration and collective effort in advancing the veterinary profession and enhancing livestock productivity in Nigeria.
