Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State government, in collaboration with the World Bank is constructing a standard Veterinary Teaching Hospital to de-rock the Livestock value chain in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru disclosed this on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day Poultry Summit and Expo holding in Enugu.
The summit with the theme: “Profitable Poultry and Livestock Business in a Changing Economy,” was organised by the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) South-East zone.
“I am happy to announce the construction of a standard Regiveal Veterinary Hospital in partnership with our international friends to de-rok the livestock value chain.
“Thus providing support to our existing livestock farmers and creating room for expansion and new investments into the poultry sector,” Ubru said.
According to him, Enugu State had a proud legacy in poultry farming, having once ranked as the second-largest producer in Nigeria and now in the 4th position.
He said: “Today, it is imperative that we reflect on our achievements, acknowledge our challenges, and strategically set a path forward to reclaim our rightful position in the sector.”
Ubru, who represented Gov. Peter Mbah at the event, said that the poultry sector remained a crucial component of the state’s agriculture value chain.
“It is responsible not only for providing high-quality protein through eggs and poultry meat, but also for creating livelihood for many of our people,” he said.
He, however, admitted that the poultry industry faces many challenges including cost of feed, diseases, and market pressures.
The commissioner commended the South-East zone of PAN for organising the summit in Enugu.
“It is through summits such as this, where we collaborate, share knowledge, and commit to best practices that we can strengthen the poultry industry.
“We recognise your efforts and sacrifices, and we are working on policies and programs that will eliminate the constraints you face,” the commissioner said.
According to him, Enugu State was actively supporting livestock productivity through several Initiatives, including the state’s recent participation in the World Bank-assisted L-PRES.
Speaking, the National President of PAN, Sunday Ezeobiora, said though the industry had faced several challenges that threatened its existence, it remained a strong factor in Nigeria’s economic survival.
“My assurance is that despite several threatening challenges including COVID-19, removal of fuel subsidy and increase in electricity tarif, the poultry industry will not die,” he said.
Represented by Mr Willy Edet, National Vice President South-South, PAN, he said that they were collaborating with some international partners to import grains for their members.
The South-East Vice President of PAN, Mr Izuolisa Onu, said the summit was another opportunity to engage on practical ways and solutions of ensuring the resolution of several challenges facing the poultry industry.
“With major stakeholders, Companies and hundreds of farmers at this summit, we should continue to deliberate on sustainable solutions to our common challenges towards the growth of poultry industry,” he said.
The summit attracted participants from across the South-East states including Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra.
The event featured product exhibitions by various poultry farmers attending the summit.
