The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has launched the National Livestock Transformation Programme at the Grazing Reserve in the Wase LGA of Plateau.

Livestock minister Idi Maiha launched the programme during a visit to the grazing reserve on Thursday.

Mr Maiha said the initiative was part of the renewed hope agenda of the federal government, aimed at creating a value chain in the livestock industry.

He added that the programme would not tackle the rising security challenges in the area but would create job opportunities for residents.

“We are here in Wase grazing reserve to launch the pilot scheme of the livestock transformation programme of the federal government and demonstrate that this is possible under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“We will construct mass housing for the herders and their families and earth dams for dry season irrigation of pasture so that once the animals are here, there will be no reason to leave this place for greener pastures.

“We will also construct and equip veterinary clinics for the health of the animals and primary healthcare clinics for the families of the herders. It is going to be completely solarised; we will rely on renewable energy so as to also fight issues of climate change,” he said.

The minister explained that his visit to the state also meant meeting with critical stakeholders to ensure the smooth commencement of the programme.

He added that the programme would also boost the state’s economy, insisting it would attract other businesses to Plateau.

The minister promised that the government would also construct road networks within the grazing reserve as part of the programme.

Sunday Akpa, Plateau’s livestock commissioner, said the initiative would complement the state government’s efforts toward boosting the livestock industry.

He said the state government would provide the necessary support for the programme’s success.

(NAN)