The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Edo State Chapter held its 2024 Veterinary Week/Livestock Farmers Forum and launched its building on Thursday, April 25th, with the theme “Advancing Livestock Health for Agricultural Renaissance in Edo State.”
The event, which was a huge success, had the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in attendance, who commended the leadership of the Association.
In his remarks, Governor Obaseki who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Stephen Ehikioya Idehenre noted that the Edo State government is honored to have collaborated with the Association in hosting the highly successful Edo 2021 National Congress, which has attracted the largest poultry processing plant in the country – the Heifer-Amoo Farm Poultry Processing Plant, a 10,000 birds-per-day modular plant.
He attributed this achievement to the thriving veterinary environment fostered with the Association.
In his keynote address, Dr. Icomiare Adebudo emphasized the importance of veterinary services in the thriving poultry industry. He noted that readily available veterinary services are critical to maintaining flock health, ensuring the viability of poultry farms, feed mills, and processing plants, while generating significant economic activity.
Dr. Adebudo recommended continuous investment in the animal sector to achieve agricultural renaissance in Edo State. He cited the recently completed 10,000 birds-per-day processing plant at Obayantor, annual free anti-rabies campaigns, and the ongoing construction of the State Veterinary Hospital as examples.
Dr. Adebudo also recommended an increase in the number of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the Edo State Civil Service to ensure wider accessibility of animal healthcare services for farmers across the State. This, he said, would help create a more thriving veterinary environment for the benefits of all.
Earlier, Dr. James Wageti, in his lecture titled “Maximizing the Potential Growth of Layers”, lamented the high cost of feeds and operational expenses as some of the bottlenecks hindering the growth of layer farming in Nigeria.
He, however, disclosed that broiler farming requires minimal investment compared to layer farming as it involves low risk and guaranteed round the year business. Dr. Wageti urged prospective investors in this sector to “start small and learn along the way.”
The Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Edo State Chapter, Dr. Asemota Daniel, in his welcome address, said that the yearly event is to promote the Veterinary profession and to deepen social interaction of veterinarians with society. He said this year’s event will afford the Association to launch the building of its secretariat while expressing appreciation to governor Obaseki who donated the land.
Dr. Asemota Daniel further noted that the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Edo State Chapter, has been aligning with the MEGA agenda of Governor Obaseki in the area of improved livestock production.
According to him: “The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Edo State Chapter has since the inception of the administration of governor Obaseki aligned with the MEGA agenda of His excellency in the area of improved livestock production.We will continue to support the good legacy of His Excellency’s Making Edo Great Again MEGA agenda in livestock production and food security by ensuring the effective mentoring of farmers and provision of current improved knowledge and requisite skill for successful production to our farmers as they are the pedestal upon which every successful society is built”
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards for excellence to deserving participants for their positive contributions to society. Among the awardees were Hon. Steve Ideheenre, Edo State Commissioner for Health, who represented Governor Obaseki, and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome among others.
During the presentation of award by the Immediate Past NVMA Vice President, Dr. Peter Osagie to the founder of Christ Embassy and owner of Prime Feed and Flour Mills Limited, Ewu, Edo State, Pastor Dr. Chris Oyakhilome who was represented by the Managing Director of Prime Feeds and Flour Mills Limited (PFFM), Pastor Henry Amenkhienan thanked the organizers for the honour.
He disclosed that, the company is being repositioned and expanded for improved productivity and output which has led to the production of 20,000 tonnes of feeds per hour. The expansion he said has given job opprotunities to Edo residents. He thanked governor Obaseki for his financial support towards the organisation.
The second day of the 2024 Edo Vet week witnessed a large turnout of farmers who were trained on other livestock enterprises. The event was designed to improve the quality of farming in Edo State by providing experts who could breakdown the knitty-gritty of farm management practices to farmers at zero cost.
One of the speakers, Dr. Joseph Nkem Nuntah, spoke on how to maximize profit on fish farming. He elaborated on the necessary factors required for successful fish farming. Other speakers included Dr. Lumenze Chukwu, who spoke on maximizing profit in cattle, sheep and goat farming, Mr. Matthew Iwenaka, who spoke on snail farming, Dr. Martin Obetta, who spoke on grass cutter farming, and Mr. Uwumarongie Esosa, who spoke on rabbit farming.
The speakers were appreciated for their contribution to the event. The Assistant General Secretary of the NVMA in the State, Dr. Lanre Oluwalasinu, mentioned that the event was programmed to precede the Annual World Veterinary Day celebration, and it was indeed Veterinary O’Clock.
According to him, veterinarians are essential workers as three out of four emerging and re-emerging diseases of humans are of animal origin.
The event ended on a high note with a vote of thanks by the Chairman of The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Edo State branch, Dr. Asemota Daniel. He informed the participants that the association plans to begin mentoring farmers on various livestock enterprises, especially rabbit and grasscutter farming.
One of the participants, Mrs. Roseline Idemudia, in an interview with Uptown Press, said that the seminar was apt and she would use the knowledge gained to enhance her farming activities. She expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants for making the event a success.
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