By Felicia Imohimi

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has urged the Ondo State Government to recruit and deploy more veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals to its newly commissioned model veterinary hospital.

Maiha said this would strengthen animal healthcare delivery, improve disease prevention and reduce the disease burden in the state.

He made the call at the commissioning of the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) Model Veterinary Hospital in Ondo State.

A statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja said the facility was the eighth of its kind commissioned under the World Bank-assisted L-PRES.

Maiha said the Ondo hospital was among 21 model veterinary hospitals being established across 21 states.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development built and equipped the facility through L-PRES to bring veterinary services closer to livestock farmers.

He said the hospital had seven service units covering mobile veterinary care, pharmacy, laboratory services, imaging, surgery, clinics and large animal care.

“The mobile unit will extend services to farming communities such as the Asejere Farm Settlement,” he said.

Maiha urged the state government, veterinary professionals, farmers and host communities to ensure the responsible use and proper maintenance of the facility.

He also unveiled the Sanitary Mandate Programme, also known as the Support to Private Veterinary Services Scheme.

He said the scheme would engage qualified private veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals to provide services to livestock farming communities.

The National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, said the hospital’s location near the weekly sheep and goat market would make it easier for farmers and traders to access animal health checks and veterinary advice.

He said early diagnosis, treatment and vaccination would help curb disease transmission and reduce livestock losses.

The statement added that, before the commissioning, Maiha led a delegation, including the L-PRES project team, on a courtesy visit to the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo Jilo III. (NAN)

FUA/TAK

Edited by Tosin Kolade