Kogi receives L-PRES vaccines to combat transboundary animal diseases, boost livestock health and food security

Kogi State has received vaccines under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project for mass immunization against major transboundary animal diseases.

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The vaccines were delivered on Thursday to the State Project Coordinator, Mr Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza Otaru, and handed over to the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin.

Dr Bolarin praised the initiative, saying it would benefit livestock farmers, pastoralists, poultry farmers, and small ruminant farmers across the state.

“This programme will enhance animal health, boost productivity, and strengthen food security in Kogi State,” he said.

Mr Otaru described the delivery as a “critical intervention” to improve livestock productivity. He confirmed that the shipment includes 200,000 doses of CBPP vaccines, 30,000 doses of Newcastle Disease vaccines, and 3,000 doses of Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines, which will be administered across 64 value chain clusters in all 21 local government areas.

The vaccines will be stored in a cold-chain facility established by the Kogi L-PRES Project at the Ministry of Livestock Development.

Barr. Ken Agim, Legal Adviser for the L-PRES Project in Abuja, noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader effort to strengthen the livestock sector nationwide.

“The vaccines, procured through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, aim to control transboundary and other livestock diseases.

They are distributed simultaneously to all 36 states and the FCT, enhancing productivity, resilience, and economic growth,” Agim said.

This delivery follows a similar programme in 2024, which reportedly improved livestock productivity and animal health.

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The intervention is seen as a major step in reducing livestock losses, improving food security, and supporting farmers in Kogi State.