Veterinary

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government has unveiled the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) veterinary clinic, fish pond and stores for improved animal, public health and reduced over reliance on importation of aquatic foods.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security while unveiling the projects in Abuja, described them as significant milestone in the council’s continued efforts to strengthen the nation’s agricultural infrastructure.

Kyari said the council’s efforts played a pivotal role in ensuring food security, enhancing the livelihoods of Nigeria farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

“The event is a testament to shared vision of a prosperous agricultural sector that is well-equipped, to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“This facilities inaugurated are not just physical structures but are symbols of collective determination to provide the necessary support and infrastructure which our farmers, researchers and agricultural stakeholders needed to thrive,” he said.

Kyari specifically said that the veterinary clinic was significant as it underscores the nation’s  commitment to improving animal health and ensuring the productivity of the livestock sector.

Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, ARCN said the projects, which started in December 2023, would not
have been completed in due time without the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the ministry.

Sharubutu said the projects were conceived to better position the council to contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to promote food security and increase visibility of the agricultural research system.

The executive secretary said that the veterinary centre comprising of a pharmacy, registry, examination room, consulting room and a surgery room was equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment for disease surveillance and control.

“The clinic is also supported with ambulatory services to address diseases beyond the confines of the centre, thereby enabling greater reach and access to veterinary services,”he said.

He commended the project management team of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES)  for supporting the council in equipping the veterinary centre.

Sharubutu said the council also establish fish production facility in order to foster a more in-house hands-on and fulfilling learning experience, research findings demonstration and technologies dissemination.

According to him, the facility is a concrete water circulatory system equipped with culture, solid waste removal and biofiltration units, as well as pump tank and ultraviolet light.

He said the projects would strengthen the council’s coordination with international research partners among others.

“The projects have been implemented in furtherance of the mandates of the council to manage, supervise and coordinate agricultural research, training and extension in the national agricultural research institutes and the federal colleges of agriculture in the country,”he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi