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Dr. Musa Abba Kolere, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development in Yobe State has disclosed that the creation of the new Ministry of Livestock Development by Governor Mai Mala Buni aims to address major issues in tapping the potential value chain in the sector.
Dr. Kolere made this disclosure while sharing his thoughts with Arewa PUNCH on how well the ministry is preparing for a smooth takeoff of activities.
The Perm Sec in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH, in Damaturu, further disclosed that, “Since Yobe State is the highest producer of livestock, including cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry, this move is expected to improve revenue generation in the state.
He added, “The new ministry will modify livestock development in the state and region, enhancing the socioeconomic potential of the rearing community for growth and development in the livestock subsector.”
Given his experience as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Development, Dr. Kolere, when asked to explain the slant of the operations of the new ministry, said, “The Ministry of Livestock Development will focus on boosting the sector, particularly livestock production.
“We will work closely with stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of the ministry and achieve its objectives.”
He insisted that, the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development is a strategic move to promote livestock development, which goes beyond just cattle ranching,” stressing that, “This new ministry will oversee various aspects of livestock development, including beef and milk processing, which can be handled separately to generate revenue through export.
“Countries like Holland, Brazil, and Germany have successfully leveraged beef and dairy processing for export, earning significant foreign exchange,” he reminded.
Kolere pointed out that the ministry will also focus on breeding and multiplication of various livestock breeds, promoting best practices between the Fulani group and other rearers to enhance protein and beef production.
This approach, he noted, is expected to boost the economy, provide food security, and create opportunities for economic growth.
Arewa PUNCH reports that in Yobe State, the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development is seen as a solution to the lingering farmer-herder crises, as it will provide equal rights to both farmers and herders.
Kolere further stressed that the ministry will work towards establishing cattle ranches, improving livestock breeds, and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
“The Yobe State government is making significant strides in promoting livestock development, and a key aspect of this is encouraging private partnerships. By providing the necessary infrastructure, the government is creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in the livestock industry,” he added.
In Kolere’s estimation, this approach is expected to maximise the value chain in livestock development, with the government focusing on setting the foundation and allowing the private sector to drive growth.
Our correspondent further reports that the state government is already in talks with companies like L&Z and Nyako Dairy Industry in Adamawa to establish partnerships that will enhance the economic potential of Yobe State.
Not done, the ministry’s permanent secretary further revealed that he state is also exploring international partnerships, particularly with Saudi Arabia, to develop the livestock export business.
“There are plans to establish a modern abattoir to improve the delivery of healthy beef, and the government is committed to implementing initiatives that will drive growth in the livestock sector.
“The establishment of cattle ranches, such as the Jakusko-nazari cattle ranch reserve, is another significant development.
“This project, funded primarily by the Yobe State government, aims to address the issue of clashes between rearers and farmers while generating revenue for the state,” he explained.
Flowing from the above, Yobe State became the second state to establish a Ministry of Livestock Development after Borno State.
