Minister of Livestock Development Launches Mass Animal Vaccination Campaign in Yobe, Hails State's Agricultural Prowess

 

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has Thursday rounded off a two-day working visit to Yobe State with the launch of a statewide animal vaccination campaign and the announcement of bold plans to transform the state into Nigeria's foremost livestock processing hub.

Commending Yobe for its proactive approach to livestock development,Hon.Maiha noted that the state was among the first to establish a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development after the creation of the federal counterpart a move he described as both timely and strategic.

"Yobe State was among the first to establish a Ministry of Livestock Development following the President's creation of the federal counterpart,and it is clear why. The infrastructure, vegetative resources, and expertise here are second to none," the Minister said.

He also singled out the L-PRESS program for praise, calling it one of the most vibrant agricultural initiatives currently operating in Nigeria.

As part of the visit, the Minister officially flagged off the 2026 annual animal vaccination campaign a vital intervention designed to protect Yobe's vast livestock population from disease outbreaks and production losses.

Following high level deliberations with members of the Yobe State Executive Council, Minister Maiha announced the next major milestone to include the establishment of a large-scale,modern abattoir in Damaturu.

According to the Minister, the facility will revolutionize the livestock trade by enabling in-state meat processing, cold-chain preservation, product labeling, and certification.

This,he said, would mark a decisive shift from the export of live animals to the supply of high-quality, packaged meat to consumers across Nigeria.

"This is about adding value, creating jobs, and ensuring food security. Yobe has the volume and the vision. With this abattoir, we are not just herding cattle; we are building an industry," Maiha declared.

In his remarks, Yobe State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Mustapha Goniri, disclosed that the state produces nearly 10 million heads of livestock annually, making it the single largest livestock producer in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Goniri added that since the Livestock Productivity Center was established in 2019 in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture the state government has committed billions of naira to providing critical facilities and inputs for livestock farmers.

"The core vision behind establishing this Livestock Productivity Center is to prevent frequent clashes between herders and farmers, so that they can coexist peacefully and enhance livestock productivity in our dear state," Goniri explained.

He reaffirmed the administration's unwavering commitment to the subsector, stating. "We remain fully committed to making livestock productivity one of the cardinal objectives of this government.We will continue to do our best to develop this subsector, with the positive impact of improving the livelihoods of our people and promoting food security."

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of Livestock, Dr. Sunusi Abubakar, placed Yobe's achievement within the broader national framework, noting that Nigeria currently operates seven livestock service centers across the country located in Jakusko Nasari (Yobe), Kano, Bauchi, Oyo, Niger, and Taraba states.

Dr. Abubakar specifically thanked Hajiya Mairo Ahmed Amshi for her instrumental role in making the Yobe center a reality, saying."When the opportunity came for the last service center, I could not think of a better place than Yobe State. I know the composition of this area, what we have here, and the immense opportunities that exist."

He further noted that the center's facilities would be deployed to serve both the National Coordination Office and participating states.