The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has congratulated former Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Junaidu Maina and the Acting Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Dr. Nick Nwankpa, on their conferment with the prestigious 2026 WOAH Meritorious Award.
The award was presented during the 93rd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), held on May 18, 2026, in Paris, France.
The honour recognized the duo for their remarkable contributions to animal health, veterinary science, vaccine quality assurance, research and institutional development within Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The recognition also highlights Nigeria’s growing influence and leadership in global animal health and livestock development under the present administration.
Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha while addressing the Ministerial Roundtable at the session, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector through strategic investments in veterinary services, animal health systems and stronger international partnerships aimed at combating transboundary and zoonotic diseases.
The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening disease intelligence systems, early warning mechanisms and surveillance frameworks as part of the global One Health approach to disease prevention and control.
Discussions during the global gathering also focused on coordinated international and regional efforts towards controlling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the current Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, as well as members of the Vom Old Boys Association (VOBA) 1983 Set, who joined in celebrating the outstanding global recognition.
