The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (Kogi L-PRES) Project, has kick-started the rehabilitation and upgrade of nine livestock markets across the State
Olufemi Bolarin, Commissioner for Livestock Development, while speaking during the stakeholders’ engagement and handover of site at Okumi Livestock Market, Lokoja, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to the development of the livestock sector in Kogi State.
Bolarin congratulated livestock farmers and marketers on the initiative, urging them to ensure harmony and peaceful coexistence to attract more benefits, stressing that the governor’s interest and deliberate efforts in securing lives and property, calling for unity against kidnapping and banditry.
Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, State Project Coordinator (SPC), equally said the Kogi L-PRES Project had secured the World Bank’s approval on the Design, completed the procurement process and awarded the contract to RSA Global Investment Limited, adding that 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.
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He said, “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 aimed to address the challenges of inadequate Livestock infrastructure to boost livestock productivity and resilience in the State as he commended Governor Ododo for his support and commitment to transforming the livestock sector in the State through the prompt payment of the State Counterpart Fund, noting that one livestock market per Federal Constituency which comprises Okene, Osara-ngada, Ero, Ejule, Ankpa, Sheria, Okumi, Kabba and Egbe Livestock markets, would 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 had put mechanisms in place to ensure adequate monitoring and supervision of the project implementation across the State as he 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.
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.
Paul Dogo, Project Manager, RSA Global Investment Limited, the Contractor, appealed for community support and security, assuring quality and timely delivery.
