By Emmanuel Kehinde, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has restated its commitment to the provision of healthy animals for human consumption in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muritala Olarewaju gave the assurance in Ilorin when the executive members of the Veterinary Medical Association of Nigeria, Kwara State branch paid him a visit in his office.
Alhaji Olarewaju disclosed that the present administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq late last year released funds for the vaccination of over 150,000 Goats and Sheep across the three Senatorial Districts of the state against contagious animal diseases.
According to him, the gesture was a sign of commitment by the State Government to the well-being of the citizenry, stressing that government would spare no effort at ensuring that only healthy animals were provided for consumption in the state.
While responding to some of the challenges of the Veterinary Medical Personnel in the State, Alhaji Olarewaju said the problem was not peculiar to the veterinary sector alone, adding that the Ministry had requested for more veterinary staff and promised that Government would soon commence work on veterinary facilities across the state.
Earlier, the State Chairman, Veterinary Medical Association of Nigeria, Dr. Saka Shittu told the Commissioner that the body is saddled with the responsibility to ensure that healthy animals were provided for human consumption and maintain professionalism in the veterinary field.
Dr. Shittu pleaded with the State Government to pay attention to the deplorable situation of veterinary facilities across the state with a view to resuscitating them for efficient service delivery.
In his remarks, The Director of Veterinary Services of the Ministry, Dr. Haleed Ibrahim urged the State Government to promptly address the challenges earlier enumerated by the State Chairman in order to enhance the working conditions of veterinary personnel in the state.
