The Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has presented its 2025 Annual Work Plan and Budget to the State Steering Committee for approval.
Receiving the budget during the meeting of the Steering Committee in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade who also doubles as the Chairman of the Steering Committee said that 2025 budget for the Project is designed to build on the achievements recorded by the project in 2024 with greater focus on improving Livestock Productivity, enhancing farmers livelihoods and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Boluwade stated that the committee would expedite action on the budget under which new Cattle markets are to be constructed in Ado and Omuo while a new abattoir equipped with ultramodern meat processing facilities including slaughter slabs will be constructed in Ado-Ekiti
The Commissioner commended the L-PRES Project team for their hard work and dedication, stressing the importance of the project in enhancing livestock productivity and resilience in the State.
In his presentation at the forum, the State Project Coordinator L-PRES, Mr Olayinka Adedipe said that the project recorded significant milestones in 2024 including mapping and profiling of livestock farmers, formation of clusters for value chain addition, holding of series of training workshop for staff and stakeholders as well as carrying out several stakeholders engagement in livestock Production in the State
Adedipe said that the 2025 Annual Work Plan and Budget outlined the project’s objectives, strategies and activities for the upcoming year adding that the budget is expected to build on the gains made in 2024 and also address emerging challenges in the Livestock sector.
In their remarks, members of the Steering Committee including the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Mrs Omotayo Adeola noted that Farmers, Processors, Distributors and Consumers in the livestock value chain sector have crucial roles to play under the project in order to bring about the desired economic growth and create jobs for teeming youths in the State
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Public utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko who is also a member of the Steering Committee noted that provision of essential services being proposed in the budget will contribute significantly to the development and sustainability of the Livestock sector and ultimately support food security, economic growth and rural development in the State.
In her contribution, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi solicited for 30 per cent allocation distribution in the project for female cattle owners.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor Oyebanji on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana(Rtd), said that there is need for frequent stakeholders engagement with Cattle business owners and provision of ranches across the State that would have perimeter fences with shelter for herders, grazing fields and water in order to avoid unnecessary migration of cattle in order to avert herders/farmers clashes.
He noted that Peace Committees and Anti-Grazing Marshals were set up to oversee the activities of herders in the State.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Mr. Oluwasetemi Alonge said that there is need for awareness and sensitization campaign for schools in the State to prioritize Broilers Production in schools.