The federal government has announced plans to establish a model veterinary hospital in Borno to address the immediate needs of livestock farmers and accelerate productivity.

The project would be implemented under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRES).

Chinyere Akujobi, permanent secretary of the  Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Ms Akujobi said the facility would provide veterinary care, serve as an emergency operation centre, offer training opportunities, and support private veterinary practices.

She said the initiative was a follow-up to a recent visit to Maiduguri by the ministry as directed by President Bola Tinubu to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the impact of the disaster on the livestock sub-sector.

Ms Akujobi said the ministry, during the visit, paid a courtesy call on the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.

“The urgency and concern expressed by President Tinubu highlights the government’s commitment towards ameliorating the consequences of the disaster on the livestock industry.

“In furtherance of the president’s directive, an Expert Working Group (EWG) was set up by the ministry and accompanied her on the mission to Borno.

“The EWG includes veterinarians, animal scientists and other critical stakeholders. The assessment process will contribute valuable insights for developing effective interventions to assist the livestock sub-sector’s post-disaster recovery.

“The group is tasked with undertaking a detailed, on-the-spot assessment of the extent of damage wreaked on the sector, while preferring immediate, short, medium and long-term measures aimed at supporting stakeholders in the livestock sub-sector,” she said.

She explained that the delegation’s interactions included meetings with the state governor and the Shehu of Borno, “who both recognised the challenges faced by the community and emphasised the importance of revitalising the livestock sector.

“The delegation was acquainted with the hardship experienced by livestock farmers, poultry producers and others in the industry while interacting with representatives from different segments of the livestock value chain.”

Ms Akujobi said the ministry has commenced discussions with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support the livestock sector’s recovery process in Borno.

(NAN)