Adeleke pledges support for FG’s reforms in livestock sector

By Jeleel Olawale

Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed his support for the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly the recent reforms in livestock, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Adeleke commended the establishment of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, calling it a timely initiative that could not have come at a better moment.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, revealed that the Governor confirmed his administration’s readiness to support the initiative during a meeting with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Initiative Committee, led by Professor Attahiru Jega, at the Exco Chambers, Governor’s Office, State Secretariat.

The visit provided Governor Adeleke the opportunity to outline various reforms being implemented in Osun State, aimed at making the state a major contributor to Nigeria’s food security and abundance.

In the statement, Governor Adeleke expressed his firm commitment to any initiative that would increase food availability for Nigerians, saying, “My administration is irrevocably committed to any initiative by the Federal Government that will put more food on the tables of the people of Nigeria.”

He continued, “While I welcome your team to my dear Osun, the State of the Living Spring, it will interest you to hear that my administration is not leaving any stone unturned to buy into this idea.”

The Governor highlighted key efforts, such as the recent procurement of 31 tractors for farmers in the state, aimed at boosting food sufficiency, as well as the distribution of seedlings and other incentives to farmers through a structured drive organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Governor Adeleke also noted Osun’s vast arable lands and forests, which, if fully utilised, could ensure food security and create more job opportunities. He declared his interest in the Federal Government’s initiative and pledged to establish a strong committee of agricultural experts to develop a comprehensive strategy for reforming the livestock sector in Osun.

Professor Attahiru Jega, Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Initiative Reforms Committee and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), explained that the committee’s mission was to promote the initiative’s objectives, which would greatly benefit Osun if adopted.

Professor Jega appealed to Governor Adeleke to consider setting up a Ministry of Livestock or a relevant agency in the state to help implement the Federal Government’s vision for increasing livestock production across Nigeria. He also urged the Governor to support the initiative through enabling legislation via the State House of Assembly.

Jega encouraged Governor Adeleke to engage key stakeholders in the livestock sector and to raise awareness about the importance of reforming the sector for the benefit of all Nigerians..