Enugu State Government Launches Training Programme to Boost Livestock Production
● Ferdy Agu
In a bid to enhance food security and tackle poverty in the state, the Enugu State Government has launched the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) programme, focusing on training farmers on advanced livestock production techniques. The programme, aimed at empowering farmers with the skills and knowledge to boost productivity, resilience, and commercialization, is in alignment with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of eradicating hunger and poverty while scaling up the state’s economic potential.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the Master Skills Development and Service Ltd in Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area. Representing the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Hon. Patrick Ubru, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Victor Ngwu, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting farmers. He noted that the initiative reflects Governor Mbah’s pledge to create a zero-hunger and zero-poverty state.
“It is the desire of Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to ensure zero hunger and zero poverty headcount index in the state. This training is part of his administration’s drive to empower farmers with the tools needed to produce sufficient food for local consumption and export. The state is also constructing rural roads to facilitate access to markets and enhance the economic potential of rural areas,” Ngwu stated.
Ngwu further highlighted that under Governor Mbah’s leadership, farmers’ welfare remains a priority. “Thousands of farmers have already benefitted from various training programs, and we will continue to support them. The governor is equally focused on building Smart Green Schools and healthcare facilities to ensure the health and education of the populace,” he added.
R-L: Sylva Adonu, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, and others at the event in Agbani. (Photo credit: Enugu Govt House Press)
Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, described the programme as a collaborative effort between the World Bank, the federal government, and the state government to address food insecurity through targeted agricultural interventions. According to her, the project’s objectives include improving livestock productivity and resilience while ensuring economic diversification.
“L-PRES has benefitted tremendously from the support of the Enugu State Government under Governor Mbah. His vision to grow the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion and eradicate hunger is deeply rooted in initiatives like this, which prioritize agriculture. This training is an opportunity for farmers to acquire invaluable knowledge to enhance their productivity,” Dr. Nnajieze remarked.
She also commended the government’s strategic partnerships, recalling a recent collaboration with the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) that saw 30 individuals, including lecturers from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), undergo specialized training in artificial insemination and modern animal husbandry techniques in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Speaking on behalf of the training facilitators, Prof. Benjamin Marire, a consultant and trainer at Master Skills Development and Service Ltd, lauded Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership. He described the governor as a leader committed to empowering farmers and revolutionizing agriculture in the state.
“The governor’s focus on human development and agricultural empowerment is commendable. This training will equip participants with the skills to enhance livestock production, ensuring food security and meeting the protein needs of the state. At Master Skills Development and Service Ltd, we are committed to delivering top-tier knowledge to participants to make the state food-sufficient,” Prof. Marire affirmed.
Dr. Nnajieze (middle) interacting with participants.
The programme underscores the Enugu State Government’s dedication to addressing food insecurity, boosting agricultural productivity, and empowering farmers to contribute to the state’s economic transformation. GMTNewsng
