Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES) Project, has kicked off the rehabilitation and upgrade of nine livestock markets across the state

Speaking during the stakeholders’ engagement and handover of site at Okumi Livestock Market, Lokoja, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, commended the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo for his commitment to the development of the livestock sector in Kogi State.

The Commissioner stressed the governor’s interest and deliberate efforts in securing lives and property, calling for unity against kidnapping and banditry.

Dr Bolarin congratulated livestock farmers and Marketers on the initiative, urging them to ensure harmony and peaceful coexistence to attract more benefits.

The State Project Coordinator (SPC), Mr Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza Otaru, said the Kogi L-PRES Project has secured the World Bank’s approval on the Design, completed the procurement process and awarded the contract to RSA Global Investment Limited.

Otaru said nine livestock markets across the state are set for rehabilitation and upgrade, noting that the handover of the sites to the contractor marked the beginning of construction work.

According to him, the project, which aimed at boosting the state’s livestock sector, is expected to be completed within 6-12 months,

He stressed that the project aims to address the challenges of inadequate Livestock infrastructure to boost livestock productivity and resilience in the state

The SPC thanked and appreciated the Governor for his support and commitment to transforming the livestock sector in the state through the prompt payment of the State Counterpart Fund.

He noted that one Livestock Market per Federal Constituency which comprises: Okene, Osara-ngada, Ero, Ejule, Ankpa, Sheria, Okumi, Kabba and Egbe Livestock markets, will be rehabilitated and upgraded with improved facilities.

“Each market will feature facilities like Administrative blocks, Veterinary clinics, Security posts, Water and Toilet facilities, Solar street lights, Loading and unloading ramps, among others, Otaru said.

He assured that the Kogi L-PRES Project has put mechanisms in place to ensure adequate monitoring and supervision of the project implementation across the state.

The SPC urged the Livestock Marketers to give full support to the contractor for seamless project execution.

He also enjoyed the Livestock Marketers to take ownership, use, maintain and ensure sustainability of the project.

The Chairman Lokoja LGA, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu, and traditional leaders, including HRH The Ede of Banda, Alhaji. Mohammed Jibril, pledged community support for the project.

Alhaji Abubakar Sani, Chairman Okumi Livestock Market, commended the Kogi L-PRES Project for choosing Okumi as the project site and promised to give maximum support to the contractor for the implementation of the project. He also assured adequate use, maintenance and sustainability of the market facilities.

Engr Paul Dogo, Project Manager, RSA Global Investment Limited, the Contractor, appealed for community support and security, assuring quality and timely delivery.

The event featured Stakeholders Engagement and the Official Handover of the Okumi Livestock Market site to the contractor. (TRIBUNE)