The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the vast potential of the livestock sector by empowering youths and women as well as strengthening livestock value chains across the state.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development in Kwara State, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas Adebayo stated this during an interview with Mr Garuba Afeez Olumide, Chief Executive Officer of Voice of the Farmer, an online media platform.
During the interview, Mr Olumide commended the Kwara State Government for its efforts in developing the livestock sector, noting that the impact of the government’s initiatives was visible.
He also sought clarification on the mandate of the Ministry of Livestock Development, the categories of farmers it works with, the benefits farmers should expect from government interventions and whether the ministry operates through farmer clusters.
Responding, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas explained that the Ministry of Livestock Development was established to harness the enormous opportunities and untapped potential within the livestock sector.
Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas said livestock remains one of the most productive sectors of the economy, with significant potential to transform Nigeria, adding that this was a vision recognised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and embraced by the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Commissioner stressed that livestock goes beyond the commonly perceived products of eggs, meat and cheese, noting that the sector comprises several interconnected value chains.
According to her, the dairy value chain alone can produce cheese, butter, yoghurt and powdered milk, while other areas include feed milling, Hatchery, trading, logistics, hide and skin processing and beekeeping.
Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas noted that the broad nature of the sector creates opportunities for virtually every young person in Kwara State to participate in one aspect of the livestock value chain.
The Commissioner also highlighted the Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme, an initiative targeted at youths and women, with priority given to students, to equip beneficiaries with practical skills and starter kits to establish livestock-related businesses.
She listed Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production, honey production through beekeeping and small-ruminant farming among the areas covered by the programme.
On farmer clusters, the Commissioner confirmed that the ministry is focusing on cluster-based production, particularly at the production level, as part of efforts to maximise revenue and strengthen the state’s livestock economy.
She said the broader objective is to position Kwara State as a major livestock hub in Nigeria by developing an organised and productive livestock ecosystem capable of generating employment, supporting businesses and contributing significantly to the state’s economic growth.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the media platform to engage the Commissioner on the ministry’s plans and initiatives aimed at making livestock a stronger source of livelihood for residents of Kwara State.
