Kogi State has commenced the construction of a modern veterinary hospital, a flagship initiative under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.
The facility, located at the Cattle Value Cluster in Osara, Adavi Local Government Area, is designed to strengthen animal health services, boost livestock productivity, and enhance food safety and security across the state.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, formally handed over the project site to the contractor in Osara.
Bolarin described the hospital as a strategic investment that will improve animal health service delivery, support disease prevention and control, and increase livestock productivity in Kogi State.
He highlighted that the project would modernize veterinary services, enhance disease surveillance, and promote the One Health approach to public and animal health.
Bolarin expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, the World Bank, and the National L-PRES Office for their support, noting that the project aligns with the state’s developmental agenda and livestock transformation roadmap.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his visionary leadership in transforming the livestock sector into a modern, productive, and resilient contributor to food security, public health, and economic development.
“The facility is expected to raise livestock productivity, generate employment, and serve as a regional center of excellence for veterinary services,” he said.
Bolarin assured that the Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development would provide consistent oversight and support throughout the project’s implementation.
Contractors were urged to adhere strictly to approved designs, quality standards, and project timelines.
The Project Coordinator, Mr. Abdulkabir Otaru, noted that the hospital would tackle key challenges faced by livestock farmers, including limited access to quality veterinary services and insufficient disease surveillance.
Otaru added that the facility would offer modern clinical veterinary care, disease diagnosis and treatment, and strengthen the state’s animal disease monitoring and response capacity.
He also praised Governor Ododo for creating an enabling environment, including prompt disbursement of the state counterpart funding for L-PRES implementation in Kogi.
“This project addresses core L-PRES indicators such as access to veterinary services, disease control, and climate resilience,” Otaru said.
The site was donated by Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) and the Osara community, a contribution acknowledged by Otaru for enabling the hospital’s construction.
“To the contractors, we expect full compliance with design specifications, timelines, and quality standards to deliver a facility that will transform veterinary services in the state,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, Prof. Abdulrahman Salawu, represented by the Registrar, Mrs. Glory Yakubu, described the project as a major step forward in improving veterinary services.
Prof. Salawu noted that the partnership between CUSTECH and Kogi L-PRES began in 2025 and called the project a milestone for the region.
The Ohi-Ekura of Osara, Isa Salawu, hailed the initiative as a game-changer, emphasizing its potential to attract investment, enhance veterinary services, and stimulate economic growth.
The royal father pledged full support and cooperation from the community.
Mr. Abdullahi Zubair of 7374 Global Ventures assured quality workmanship and timely completion, while the project consultant, Issa Sikiru of RAHIS Global Concepts Ltd, promised diligent monitoring and supervision to ensure successful delivery of the h