Ekiti Urges Communities To Take Ownership of L-PRES Livestock Projects

The Ekiti State Government has urged communities hosting livestock infrastructure projects under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) programme to take ownership of the facilities.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, made the call while inspecting completed L-PRES livestock infrastructure projects in the state.

Boluwade said protecting the facilities would ensure proper maintenance and long-term sustainability.

The inspection took the commissioner and his team to Ijero-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti and Ilawe-Ekiti, where they assessed key livestock facilities provided through the L-PRES project to strengthen the livestock sector and improve hygienic meat processing.

During the visit, the commissioner inspected the newly completed Ijero Veterinary Hospital and modern slaughter slabs constructed in Ikere-Ekiti and Ilawe-Ekiti.

He said the inspection was to evaluate the projects and ensure they were ready to serve livestock farmers and residents.

Boluwade said the facilities were delivered under the L-PRES programme to improve veterinary services, strengthen animal health management and promote safe and hygienic slaughtering practices in the state.

He noted that the long-term success of the projects would depend on how well the communities manage and protect them.

“These infrastructures were provided to improve livestock production and public health. Communities must take ownership, protect them from misuse and ensure proper maintenance so they can serve their purpose for many years,” he said.

The commissioner added that the projects support the Ekiti State Government’s efforts to strengthen the livestock value chain, boost food security and improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers.

Boluwade was accompanied on the inspection by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Babatope Ojo, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Olayinka Adedipe, and members of the project implementation unit.

A livestock processing expert, Mr. Adeyeye Adekunle, and a livestock farmer, Prince Dayo Ajayi, commended the Ekiti State Government and the L-PRES programme for providing the facilities.

They also pledged support to ensure the infrastructure is properly used and protected for the benefit of the communities.