By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – ON the recent visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the impact of the disaster on the livestock sub-sector in the States.

Dr Chinyere Akujobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry made this known while paying a courtesy call on the Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, according to Dr. Akujobi, “the urgency and concern expressed by President Tinubu highlights the government’s commitment towards ameliorating the consequences of the disaster on the livestock industry.”

According to Akujobi, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, understanding the need for a ‘livestock oriented’ component in Disaster Management, had set up an Expert Working Group (EWG) to work out a viable and sustainable template of disaster response and management for the livestock sector.

The Group is therefore tasked with undertaking detailed, on the spot assessment of the extent of damage wreaked on the livestock sector, while proffering immediate, short, medium and long-term measures aimed at supporting stakeholders in the sector.

The EWG which consists of veterinarians, animal scientists, Agricultural Economists and stakeholder engagement experts accompanied the Permanent Secretary on the Mission to Borno.

The delegation also held meetings with representatives from different segments of the livestock value chain, gaining first-hand insight into the hardships experienced by livestock farmers and other value chain actors in the industry. These stakeholders shared their experiences of losses and challenges, calling for government support to help them rebuild their livelihoods and sustain their families.

To address the immediate needs of livestock farmers, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) – a World Bank assisted Program – is proactively setting up a model veterinary hospital This facility will provide veterinary care, act as an Emergency Operation Centre, offer training opportunities, and support private veterinary practices. “These initiatives aim to enhance the resilience of the livestock sector,protect animal and public health Akujobi reiterated.

The assessment process will ultimately contribute valuable insights for developing effective interventions to assist the livestock sub-sector’s post-disaster recovery” Akujobi stated, noting that “by implementing holistic livestock-targeted solutions, we will be rebuilding the livelihoods of affected livestock farmers, thereby contributing to the resilience and *economic recovery of the state and country at large.”

The Permanent Secretary noted that as efforts progress, collaboration among critical stakeholders – Government (both federal, state and local), Private Sector, and the Development Partner community – will be critical for success.