Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has been extolled as the best in promoting livestock development in Nigeria.
The Ebonyi State Project Coordinator (SPC) of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, L-PRES, Pastor Julius Victor Nwite, made this known in Enugu on Monday during the kickoff of the Livestock Accelerator and Mentorship Programme, LAMP, aimed at giving selected beneficiaries of livestock MSME loans in L-PRES participating states in the South East the knowledge and skills needed to expand their businesses.
He stated that Governor Francis Nwifuru had demonstrated exceptional commitment to livestock development through strong government support, counterpart funding and the provision of infrastructure designed to improve livestock production across the state.
He also stated that Ebonyi State had paid ₦150 million as counterpart funding for the L-PRES project, describing the payment as one of the strongest commitments made by participating states to the programme.
According to him, the governor’s commitment has created an environment where livestock farmers can benefit from federal interventions and develop sustainable businesses.
Pastor. Nwite also stressed that the Ebonyi State Government had embarked on the development of the Ezza-Mgbo Integrated Ranch, which brings together several components of the livestock value chain.
He listed cattle, sheep and goat production, piggery, pasture development, an international livestock market, artificial insemination centres and veterinary facilities among the components of the ranch.
The L-PRES coordinator also stated that the integrated approach adopted by the state government would help improve production, processing, marketing and access to services within the livestock sector, adding that the governor’s support had encouraged farmers to participate actively in L-PRES programmes and other capacity building initiatives.
He also disclosed that 10 Ebonyi livestock farmers are currently participating in the LAMP programme, stressing that the beneficiaries are expected to use the training to strengthen their businesses and prepare themselves for access to credit.
He further explained that the LAMP programme was designed to address some of the gaps identified during earlier capacity building programmes, especially inadequate business documentation.
According to him, proper documentation would enable farmers to demonstrate the strength of their businesses and improve their chances of accessing loans from DBN and other financial institutions.
He urged the beneficiaries to take the five-day training seriously and make themselves available throughout the programme.
“Governor Francis Nwifuru has shown that livestock development is a priority in Ebonyi State. His commitment to the L-PRES project, including the payment of ₦150 million counterpart funding and support for the development of the Ezza-Mgbo Integrated Ranch, speaks clearly about his vision for the sector. We are seeing deliberate efforts to create opportunities for farmers, improve production and strengthen the livestock value chain. I believe Ebonyi is setting a strong example for other states to follow,” Victor said.
He further called on the participating farmers to take advantage of the knowledge, mentorship and financial opportunities provided through LAMP.
Pastor Nwite said the ultimate goal was to build stronger livestock enterprises capable of creating jobs, supporting families and contributing to food security and economic growth in Ebonyi State.
He expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would return to their businesses with improved knowledge and the capacity to access finance, expand production and contribute more effectively to the livestock economy.
