Osun Pledges To Support FG’s Reforms In Livestock Sector
Osun State Governor, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, has pledged his administration’s support for the Federal Government’s ongoing agricultural reforms. The initiative, championed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aims to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector through measures such as the newly formed Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.
Speaking during an advocacy visit by the committee, led by former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, Governor Adeleke emphasized Osun State’s readiness to align with the reforms. In a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the governor highlighted steps his administration is taking to boost agricultural productivity, including the procurement of 31 tractors and the distribution of seedlings and incentives to farmers.
Governor Adeleke described Osun State as richly endowed with arable land and forests that could be harnessed to ensure food security, generate employment, and contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural economy. He also expressed plans to establish a dedicated committee of agricultural experts to create a roadmap for livestock sector reforms in the state.
Prof. Jega, co-chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Initiative Committee, lauded Osun’s potential to benefit from the program. He urged the governor to establish a Ministry or Agency of Livestock and enact supportive legislation to implement the reforms effectively.
By backing the federal initiative, Governor Adeleke’s administration underscores its commitment to enhancing food production and ensuring a robust agricultural economy in Osun State and Nigeria at large.
Source- Independent
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Strengthening Food Systems Through Livestock Reforms: Key Implications for Stakeholders
The Federal Government’s livestock reform initiative represents a strategic opportunity to address pressing challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Below are critical insights for stakeholders:
- Opportunities for Enhanced Productivity: The proposed reforms align with national food security goals by fostering sustainable livestock production. Osun State’s commitment to the initiative, backed by tangible investments in farm mechanization and farmer incentives, lays a strong foundation for stakeholders to capitalize on increased agricultural output.
- Economic Diversification and Job Creation: Livestock sector reforms are expected to open pathways for job creation and entrepreneurship. Stakeholders in Osun’s agricultural value chain—such as farmers, processors, and marketers—should position themselves to leverage these opportunities by building capacity and forming partnerships with government agencies.
- Policy and Institutional Strengthening: Prof. Jega’s recommendation to establish a dedicated livestock ministry or agency, supported by enabling legislation, provides a framework for structured and sustainable growth in the sector. Stakeholders should actively participate in advocacy efforts to ensure policies reflect the sector’s needs.
- Potential Challenges: Effective implementation will require addressing logistical, financial, and technical hurdles. Stakeholders should collaborate with the government to ensure access to resources, extension services, and technological innovations critical to the reforms’ success.
- Community Engagement and Awareness: Promoting awareness about the importance of livestock reforms among rural farmers and community leaders will be vital. Engagement campaigns should emphasize the potential economic and social benefits of the initiative to encourage grassroots participation.
Call to Action
Stakeholders, particularly in Osun State, are encouraged to align with the state’s roadmap for livestock reforms. This collaboration will enhance food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and drive inclusive economic growth across the region.
