Kwara State Empowers Over 100 Smallholder Farmers Through L-PRES Initiative
…As Commissioner for Livestock Development Inspects Key Projects at Akerebiata Abattoir
The Kwara State Government has reinforced its commitment to the growth of the livestock sector by empowering over 100 smallholder farmers with goats in the first phase of its Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Programme. This initiative, driven by major stakeholders in the livestock sector, aims to enhance farmers’ income and promote sustainable livestock farming.
While distributing the livestock at the L-PRES State Coordination Office in Ilorin, the newly appointed Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, emphasized that the program is a key part of the state’s strategy to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and boost economic growth.
Mrs. Thomas, who is the pioneer Commissioner of the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development, highlighted the success of capacity-building training organized by Kwara L-PRES, which has transformed youth perceptions about wealth creation and employment in the agricultural sector. She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritizing not just training but also financial empowerment to improve the economic status of the people.
“The beneficiaries, who are members of the Agbeloba Omodara Cluster Farming Group, have played a vital role in spreading the knowledge gained during training to others at the grassroots. Their dedication has earned them this empowerment,” she stated.
State Project Coordinator Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye described livestock farming as a valuable economic asset, noting that the integration of crop and livestock farming would reduce feeding costs and maximize profits for the beneficiaries.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mallam Shuaib Ajibola, Chairman of Agbeloba Omodara Cooperative Farming Group, expressed gratitude to the state government, L-PRES project coordinators, and donors for fulfilling their promise. He assured that the animals would be properly monitored and cared for to ensure sustainability.
In a related development, Commissioner Thomas conducted an inspection tour of ongoing livestock projects at the Akerebiata Abattoir in Ilorin East Local Government Area to assess the state of facilities. The inspection covered the newly constructed 60-ton solar-powered cold storage facility, the slaughter slab section, and water supply infrastructure. She commended the Kwara State Butchers’ Union for their collaboration and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a modern, hygienic livestock processing sector.
