By Dare Akogun
Governor of Kwara Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold steps to develop the livestock sector and end the recurring clashes between herders and farmers across Nigerian communities.
The governor made these remarks today in Ilorin during the launch of the National Animal Identification Traceability System (NAITS) for Kwara State, an event organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Represented by his Counselor and Senior Advisor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salaudeen, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and his team for their hard work in transforming the agricultural sector, which he noted serves as a model for the Kwara State government.
Governor AbdulRazaq pledged his administration’s support for the agricultural initiative by facilitating the construction and equipping of the Kwara NAITS center through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (LPRESS).
He also called for increased collaboration with the Federal Government to further these efforts.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, highlighted the significance of the NAITS launch in Kwara State.
She stated that the initiative marks a significant step forward in the state’s quest for food security, agricultural development, and animal health.
“The intervention will improve the livelihoods of our farmers, enhance food production, facilitate access to new markets and finance, and reduce poverty,” she said.
Mrs. Thomas highlighted the state’s commitment to both crop and livestock security through the LPRES and the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) projects, which are testaments to Kwara’s dedication to ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
“Beyond these, however, we believe that the NAITS initiative plays a vital role in enhancing our ability to achieve our food security goals in Kwara State.
“We are committed to leveraging technology and innovation to drive agricultural transformation. Animal identity and traceability is a critical tool in our quest for agricultural excellence, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this initiative,” she added.
The launch of NAITS is expected to significantly impact the agricultural landscape in Kwara State, improving not only food security but also the economic well-being of farmers and the broader community.
