The Federal Government has inaugurated a modern veterinary hospital in Ado Ekiti as part of ongoing efforts to raise animal healthcare standards and increase livestock productivity across the country.
The newly constructed facility was delivered through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, a development initiative backed by the World Bank. Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, officially launched the centre on Thursday, according to Punch.
During the ceremony, Maiha explained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains focused on implementing reforms that support growth across vital sectors, particularly livestock farming. He urged the veterinary doctors and staff assigned to the centre to ensure that livestock owners receive accurate diagnoses and the correct medications whenever they visit.
The minister also visited several key agricultural locations across the state. His inspection tour covered the Ikun Dairy Farm in Ikun Ekiti, the Poultry Hub in Emure Ekiti, the Livestock Development Centre in Erifun, and the dual-purpose abattoir and commercial cattle market situated along Iworoko Road in Ado Ekiti.
Speaking on the scope of the programme, the National Coordinator of L-PRES, Sanusi Abubakar, stated that the Ado Ekiti hospital is one of 21 prototype facilities established across 21 states. Abubakar explained that the initiative aims to protect smallholder farmers managing cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and pigs by curbing animal diseases and preventing avoidable financial losses.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, noted that the hospital aligns with his administration’s agenda to improve food security and build a commercially viable livestock industry. The Ekiti State L-PRES Coordinator, Yinka Adedipe, added that the intervention will help build local farmers’ capacity and attract fresh investments into the state.
