By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
The Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion, has said that the Sen. Monday Okpebholo-led administration is fully committed to rebuilding and revamping infrastructure across the Livestock Sub-sector.
Prof. Omorodion made the assertion while receiving a delegation of the Benin Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE), which paid a courtesy visit on his office at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Benin City.
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The Commissioner, while receiving the NIAE’s delegates, described the visit as timely, noting that significant milestones could be achieved through collaboration and strategic partnership. He revealed that upon assumption of office, there was virtually no tangible infrastructure in place to support the Livestock Sub-sector beyond training programmes. He submitted that such had changed as several infrastructural projects are currently ongoing, with others already earmarked to commence soon, citing ranch development, eight poultry houses, six pig pens, a modern livestock market at Aviele, veterinary clinics, and modern abattoirs.
Prof. Omorodion emphasised the critical role of agricultural engineers in driving the process, particularly in the areas of infrastructure design and modification, and stressed the importance of engaging key stakeholders from the private sector, academia, and government, to ensure sustainability. He assured the NIAE of his Ministry’s commitment to close and ongoing collaboration.
The Chairman of the Benin Chapter of the NIAE, Dr. S. R. Ogblechi, stated that the purpose of the visit was to establish a working relationship with the Edo State Ministry of Livestock Development. He noted that the delegation comprises academics, equipment fabricators, and industrialists.
He pledged the unwavering support of NIAE members in collaborating with the Edo State Government to develop impactful and sustainable economic solutions across the agricultural value chain from upstream to downstream livestock operations with a view to formulating a roadmap that adequately addresses the challenges facing small and medium-scale enterprises in the Sector.
In attendance were the functioning Permanent Secretary, Dr. Icomiare Adebudo, alongside directors and staff of the Ministry
