The Kogi State Government has called on the Federal Government to support its efforts in advancing livestock development across the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made the appeal during a stakeholder engagement with the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms Implementation, held on Saturday in Lokoja. The Governor was represented by the Deputy Governor, Elder Joel Salifu.
Governor Ododo disclosed that the state had secured a partnership with an agricultural technology company to drive the mechanised cultivation of feedstock, both within Kogi and beyond. He appealed for an allocation of ₦7 billion from the Federal Government to equip the state with the requisite infrastructure for the initiative.
He further urged the Presidential Committee to promote Kogi as a national hub for livestock production and processing to prospective investors, particularly JBS of Brazil.
Ododo emphasised that Kogi’s central location, favourable agro-climatic conditions, and strong political will make it an ideal environment for investment in livestock development.
He requested that the state be included in all ongoing and future technical support programmes under the reforms. He reiterated that the modernisation of livestock production requires state-level coordination, targeted investment, and innovative policy, all of which Kogi State is actively pursuing.
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Governor Ododo assured the committee of the full alignment of the State Ministry of Livestock Development with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed the state’s commitment to enhancing livestock production, ensuring food security, creating employment opportunities, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Responding, the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, represented by the Committee Secretary, Professor Yahaya Kuta, pledged the committee’s support for the state government.
He commended Governor Ododo for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, positioning Kogi as a pacesetter among Nigerian states.
Also speaking, the Kogi State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, urged the committee to give serious consideration to the state’s requests and reaffirmed the government’s willingness to welcome foreign investors interested in livestock farming.
