Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, in collaboration with the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, have inspected the proposed site for the establishment of a strategic fodder hub serving the North-Central and South-West corridor in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The inspection formed part of efforts by the Federal Government to advance sustainable livestock development, improve feed availability and strengthen the country’s livestock value chain.
Leading the delegation, the Director of Ranch and Pastoral Resources Development in the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Mr. Hakeem Ibilade, said the initiative is designed to place host communities at the centre of planning, implementation and ownership, ensuring long-term sustainability and community participation.
According to him, the Federal Government has also approved the construction of a modern, environmentally friendly goat housing facility at the project site. He explained that the facility is designed to improve livestock management, reduce labour requirements and eliminate offensive odours while promoting better animal welfare.
Mr. Ibilade noted that the project combines modern animal husbandry practices with indigenous knowledge to improve productivity without replacing traditional livestock management systems. He added that the initiative adopts a semi-intensive production model supported by cultivated pasture for rotational grazing, ensuring year-round availability of quality fodder for livestock.
The Kwara State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, described the proposed fodder hub as a significant milestone that will enhance livestock production, improve feed security and stimulate rural economic development in Kwara State and neighbouring regions.
Speaking during the visit, the traditional ruler of the host community, the Onijagbo of Ijagbo Land, Oba Sharafadeen Adeniyi Buhari, commended the Federal Government for selecting the community for the project. Alongside farmers’ representatives, he appealed for the establishment of a veterinary hospital as well as the introduction of animal identification and traceability systems to maximise the project’s benefits.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical support, capacity building and strategic partnerships to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The ministry expressed confidence that the proposed fodder hub and complementary livestock infrastructure would serve as a model for sustainable livestock development, increased productivity, job creation and improved food security across Nigeria.
