The Federal Government and the Benue State government are poised to strengthen their collaboration in livestock development.
During a courtesy visit from the director-general of the Benue State Bureau for Livestock Development, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha announced this initiative at his office in Abuja.
During the visit, the minister emphasised that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development will not impose projects on any state. He stated that livestock development initiatives should originate from the states and communities to ensure ownership and sustainability. “This approach will enable states and communities to take full ownership of projects within their localities,” the minister said. He also expressed his intention to visit Benue State soon to engage with relevant stakeholders and explore opportunities for livestock development.
Earlier, Asambe informed the minister that the governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has expressed his commitment to partnering with the Federal Government on a comprehensive piggery farming and processing initiative. This project is proposed to be implemented within the state’s special agro-processing zone (SAPZ).
A statement from the ministry’s director of information and public relations, Ben. Bem Goong indicated that in a letter to the minister, Governor Alia highlighted Benue State’s vast potential for large-scale piggery farming, citing its favourable climate and strong agricultural foundation.
The minister welcomed the governor’s initiative, describing it as a promising sign of the growing synergy between the Federal Government and Benue State. He emphasised the importance of this collaboration, quipping, “The ‘Alia,’ the better.”
