Kogi Farmers Trained on Responsible Antibiotic Use to Combat Global Health Threat

A major step has been taken in Kogi State to protect both public health and livestock productivity, as the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) launched a training programme on the safe use of antibiotics in animal production. The initiative comes as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to emerge as one of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

Source: Kogi Reports

At the flag-off in Lokoja, project coordinator Abdulkabir Otaru explained that the programme is designed to equip livestock farmers, veterinarians, doctors, and environmental health experts with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt safer practices. He noted that the training would not only improve the quality of animal products but also safeguard communities against the dangers of drug-resistant infections.

“This project will bridge knowledge gaps among livestock farmers concerning antimicrobial drugs, strengthen capacity, and promote best practices that reduce AMR risks,” Otaru said. He added that the programme—supported by the World Bank alongside federal and state governments—will run across five centres in Kogi, with each centre targeting no fewer than 400 participants.

By the end of the exercise, at least 2,500 farmers are expected to have been trained on AMR prevention and responsible livestock practices, a development Otaru described as “a lifeline for both food security and human health.” He praised Governor Ahmed Ododo for backing the project through counterpart funding and urged the media to help amplify its impact.

For Otaru, the initiative goes beyond boosting productivity or profit. “This project is not just about productivity and profit. It is about saving lives,” he stressed.

Adding to the discourse, Agu Yakubu from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development warned that AMR is making common infections increasingly difficult to treat, a situation fueled by the misuse of antibiotics, poor infection control, and the lack of new drug discoveries.

Yakubu advocated for a One Health approach, stressing that human, animal, and environmental health must be addressed together to confront the growing crisis. “By raising awareness and acting collectively, we can mitigate AMR’s impact and ensure infections remain treatable,” he said.

The training programme is expected to strengthen food safety, enhance livestock resilience, and position Nigeria in line with global health standards in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.