Kebbi State Governor, Comrade, Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving animal health and safeguarding the livelihood of pastoralists and livestock farmers across the state.
The Governor stated this on Monday at Hutawa, Fulani Settlement in Birnin Kebbi, during the flag-off of the statewide vaccination campaign against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).
He was represented at the event by the Head of Service, TPL Malami Muhammad Shekare.
This is contained in a statement Signed by Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to Kebbi State Governor Yahaya Sarki and issued to newsmen on Monday
According to the statement, Governor Idris emphasized that livestock remained a critical sector of Kebbi’s economy, providing food, employment, and income for thousands of households.
He made it clear that his government considered livestock production a gold mine and was determined to harness its full potential through improved animal health, enhanced security for farmers and pastoralists, as well as the development of veterinary infrastructure.
“As part of our administration’s drive to secure rural communities and empower livestock farmers, we are complementing our security measures with proactive veterinary services to protect our animals from devastating diseases”,
“This vaccination exercise is a clear demonstration of that commitment,” he said.
The Governor highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the completion of the ultra-modern Veterinary Hospital in Birnin Kebbi, construction of zonal veterinary clinics, and partnership with international organizations for livestock technology transfer and beef production.
At the event, cows were vaccinated in the presence of Fulani herders and leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, who pledged their total support to the Governor and expressed gratitude for the exercise.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries, Alhaji Kabiru Usman Alaramma, said the campaign was aimed at curbing huge financial losses suffered by livestock owners due to disease outbreaks.
He commended the Governor for approving and supporting the exercise.
Other goodwill messages came from the Commissioners of Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Muazu; Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi; and the Special Adviser on Nomadic Matters, Alhaji Muhammad Kiruwa Zuru.
They all lauded Governor Idris for prioritizing animal health, food security, and pastoralists’ welfare.