The Kogi government has appealed to the federal government for support in advancing livestock development in the state.

Kogi Governor Ahmed Ododo made the appeal during a stakeholder engagement with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee on Saturday in Lokoja.

Mr Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, said the state had secured an agreement with an agricultural technology firm to spearhead the mechanisation of feedstock cultivation both within and outside it.

The governor urged the federal government to allocate N7 billion to the state to establish the necessary tools for the investment.

Mr Ododo appealed to the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to advocate for Kogi as the nation’s production and processing hub to potential investors, particularly JBS Brazil.

He highlighted that Kogi’s strategic centrality, agro-climatic advantages, and political commitment made it an ideal area for investment to flourish.

Mr Ododo implored the committee to incorporate Kogi in all current and forthcoming technical support programmes.

He maintained that the modernisation of livestock production necessitated state-level coordination, investment, and policy innovation, in which Kogi had demonstrated significant interest and dedication.

The governor assured the committee of aligning the state Ministry of Livestock Development with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its readiness to enhance livestock production, boost food security, generate employment, and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

The co-chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Attahiru Jega, represented by the committee secretary, Yahaya Kuta, pledged to partner with the State government.

He commended Mr Ododo for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development, positioning Kogi at the forefront compared to other states.

The state’s Commissioner for Livestock Development, Olufemi Bolarin, urged the committee to consider the state government’s requests seriously, highlighting the state’s openness to welcoming foreign investors interested in livestock farming.

(NAN)