By Hillary Asemota
In a bid to boost National Food Security and wealth creation, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with F & A Engineering Construction Links Limited have concluded arrangement on policy strategy geared towards stimulate the interest of stakeholders on the need to embrace animal welfare during emergencies and disasters in order to prevent losses across the country.
Speaking at a national stakeholders consultative meeting which held in Nasarawa State recently, the Director Veterinary and Pests Control Services/ Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON) Dr. Musa Inuwa said that the essence was to provide a platform for effective engagement and interaction among relevant stakeholders on the implementing policies on matters concerning the general care of animals during emergencies and disaster situations.
He added that the meeting would also serve as a medium for awareness creation on good animal welfare practices.
Inuwa, pointed out that the Ministry had stepped up efforts towards introducing global best practices in the Nigeria’s Animal welfare strategy in line with guidelines and standards provided by World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
He, therefore, tasked the stakeholders to share their experiences and in turn serve as credible animal welfare Ambassadors within the spheres of their activities.
Earlier, the Head of Quality Assurance and Standards Division (QAS) of the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun, said that the department identified the need to develop a response strategy for animals during emergencies and disasters.
In her remarks, the National President of the Nigerian Veterinary Association, Dr. Oluwatoyin Adetuberu, revealed that meeting was of great importance, noting that when there are disasters, only humans are rescued without taking cognizance of the animals.
She pointed out that the meeting was about rescuing and rehabilitating animals during disasters and emergencies, setting ways to include the animals into the National Emergency Management Agency and having Veterinaries that are trained on ‘rescue’.
The National President called on the Federal Government to set up committees that would involve veterinarians and animal health components in the rescue and emergencies.
Highlight of the event was the interactive session by participants.
In attendance were the representatives of the Para-Military, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Members of the Academia, States Ministry of Agriculture, Veterinary Council of Nigeria among others.
Signed: Eremah Anthonia.For: Director, Information (FMARD).