DEVELOPMENT
ABIA STATE GOVT FAST-TRACKS LIVESTOCK HEALTH REVOLUTION AS DR. CLIFF AGBAEZE LEADS HANDOVER OF SITE FOR WORLD BANK–FUNDED VETERINARY HOSPITAL UNDER L-PRES PROJECT
In a decisive move to strengthen livestock productivity, protect public health and deepen agricultural transformation in Abia State, the State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has officially handed over a designated site for the establishment of a modern Veterinary Hospital under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) within the state capital.
The site handover, conducted by the honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB, marks a major milestone in Abia State’s strategic drive to ensure that livestock consumed by residents is healthy, hygienic and free from diseases, while also positioning the state as a key player in Nigeria’s livestock development agenda.
Dr. Agbaeze explained that the initiative is in line with the unwavering commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to build a resilient agricultural sector that supports food security, public health and sustainable economic growth. He noted that the veterinary hospital project complements the broad-based reforms currently reshaping Abia’s agricultural landscape, alongside other sectoral interventions across the state economy.
According to the Commissioner, the L-PRES project is designed to significantly boost livestock productivity and, at the same time, curb the spread of animal diseases that could be transmitted to humans, thereby safeguarding lives and improving overall food safety standards.
He disclosed that Abia State is among the 26 states nationwide that have been admitted into the L-PRES programme, joining other participating states in the South-East, including Enugu and Ebonyi, in embracing the initiative.
Dr. Agbaeze emphasized that the project will deliver far-reaching benefits to livestock farmers, meat processors, marketers and consumers by promoting international best practices in hygiene, disease control and animal health management. He further announced that construction work on the veterinary hospital would commence immediately, with a completion timeline of six months from the start of the project.
In his remarks, a consultant from Rahis Global Consulting Company, Abuja, Engr. Isa Siqiru, who represented L-PRES officials, applauded the Abia State Government for the prompt provision of a suitable site, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of the state’s seriousness in ensuring the swift take-off of the project.
He confirmed that Abia has formally joined other beneficiary states across the federation in supporting the L-PRES initiative, and clarified that the project is fully funded by the World Bank, with no financial burden on the Abia State Government. He added that overall supervision and management of the project would be handled by the L-PRES headquarters in Abuja.
Engr. Siqiru further explained that, upon completion, the veterinary hospital would offer comprehensive animal treatment services and holistic livestock healthcare, strengthening disease surveillance, improving productivity and enhancing food safety standards across the state.
The successful handover of the project site, under the leadership of Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, underscores Abia State’s growing reputation as a reform-driven state, committed to building modern agricultural systems that protect public health, empower farmers and drive sustainable development.