The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector, stating that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “means business” and will no longer allow the sector to suffer neglect.

The Minister made the remark in Yola on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Model Veterinary Hospital constructed by the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

He also commissioned a veterinary ambulatory vehicle to enhance outreach to pastoral communities and livestock clusters.Mukhtar described the facility as a new chapter for animal health service delivery in Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.

“Mr President deemed it fit last year to create the Ministry of Livestock Development for the first time in 64 years. We are here today as testimony to that commitment,” he said.

The Minister revealed that through L-PRES, seven model veterinary hospitals have already been constructed and equipped across Adamawa, Sokoto, Enugu, Niger, Ondo, Edo and Borno States.

An additional 14 are at various stages of completion, making a total of 21 new veterinary hospitals across participating states.

He added that the Adamawa facility will not only provide a decent workstation for veterinary professionals but will also serve as a centre of excellence for animal health services, offering quality care to livestock farmers within and outside the state.

The ultramodern hospital is equipped with consulting rooms, a diagnostic laboratory, and a surgical theatre capable of handling both elective and emergency procedures.

Mukhtar further urged veterinary officers to ensure the judicious use and maintenance of the facility for the benefit of present and future generations.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Baba Othman Ngelzarma, said the L-PRES initiative has brought renewed hope to pastoral communities, demonstrating that government recognises their challenges and is committed to delivering meaningful solutions.

The Lamido of Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, commended the Federal Government and L-PRES for the landmark project.

He called for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders as a necessary condition for livestock sector growth.Similarly, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Edgar Amos, encouraged residents to take full advantage of the facility to improve animal health and support the objectives for which it was established.

Also speaking, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, described the hospital as a gateway to better disease control, early detection, reduced livestock mortality, increased productivity, enhanced food security, and expanded employment and training opportunities for veterinary professionals.

During a dinner organised by L-PRES, both the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, were recognised for their leadership and outstanding contributions to the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector.

• President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday urged the National Assembly to begin the process of reviewing the law so as to allow states willing to establish state Police to do so.

President Tinubu in a statement he personally signed, also declared a security emergency and ordered the army and the police to recruit more personnel.

He further directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in the nation’s forests.

He said: ” Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.

By this declaration, the police and the army are authorised to recruit more personnel. The police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.

Although I had previously approved the nationwide upgrade of police training facilities, the police authorities are, by this statement, authorised to use various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots.

The officers being withdrawn from VIP guard duties should undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.

The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.

The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.

My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck.

As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.

Let me take this moment to commend our security agencies for working together to secure the release of the 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State.

We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.

To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice. This is a challenging moment for our nation and for the military institution itself.

I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity. There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.

The Nigerian people are counting on you, and this administration will provide the support you need to succeed.

In addition, our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.

I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them.

States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security.

Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.

Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers.

I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.

Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony.

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all.

I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.

I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.

I sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones in recent attacks on soft targets in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.

I also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

Fellow Compatriots, I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair. Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values.

Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union. I urge all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant.

Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.”

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a list of three individuals nominated for non-career ambassadorial positions to the Senate for confirmation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during Wednesday’s plenary session.

The nominees include: Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa, and Ayodele Oke.

“The list contains three names for now, I am sure others will follow,” Akpabio stated after presenting the letter from President Tinubu.

Details later..