Kogi State Flags Off Construction of World-Class Model Veterinary Hospital Under World Bank–Supported L-PRES Project

The Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development, in collaboration with the National Coordinating Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Abuja, has officially handed over the project site for the construction of the Kogi State Model Veterinary Hospital, a landmark initiative supported by the World Bank.

The site handover ceremony took place at Osara, within the premises of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC), marking a major milestone in strengthening animal health services and advancing livestock development in Kogi State.

Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, described the occasion as a historic step in the Kogi State Government’s drive to modernise and reposition the livestock sector under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State.

According to the Commissioner, the project represents a bold and strategic move to transform the livestock sector into a modern, productive, and resilient contributor to food security, public health, and economic growth in the state and beyond.

Dr. Bolarin expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the World Bank, and the National L-PRES Office for their unwavering commitment to strengthening livestock systems across participating states. He noted that Kogi State is proud to be a beneficiary of this strategic intervention, which aligns seamlessly with the state’s development agenda and livestock transformation roadmap.

He emphasised that the Model Veterinary Hospital goes far beyond brick and mortar, describing it as a strategic investment that will:

Improve animal health service delivery

Enhance disease surveillance, prevention, and control

Strengthen the One Health approach linking animal, human, and environmental health

Boost livestock productivity and value-chain development

Create jobs and build capacity for veterinary and allied professionals

Upon completion, the facility will serve as a Centre of Excellence for veterinary clinical services, diagnostics, training, and emergency response, not only for Kogi State, but also for neighbouring states across the region.

Addressing the contractors, Dr. Bolarin stated that the site handover marks the beginning of a critical responsibility. He stressed the importance of strict adherence to project specifications, quality standards, timelines, and safety regulations as outlined in the contract. He assured stakeholders that both the Kogi State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) and the National L-PRES Office will closely monitor the project to ensure value for money and timely delivery.

The Commissioner further reaffirmed the Ministry’s full commitment to providing the institutional support, coordination, and enabling environment required for the successful execution of the project.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Bolarin called on the host community and all stakeholders to give their full cooperation to ensure smooth implementation. He expressed confidence that, upon completion, the Model Veterinary Hospital will firmly position Kogi State as a leader in sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.

Hassan Abubakar -Editor Newsnowexpress