The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has lauded Chi Farms and Zoetis for the establishment of City Laboratory, an ultra-modern veterinary diagnostic centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Ogbeh, who spoke through the Director and Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Olaniran Alabi, stated that the commissioning of the diagnostic centre justifies the collaborative efforts of the Federal Government and the private sector in providing essential tools needed for sustainable socio-economic growth in livestock development in Nigeria.
According to him, the livestock sub-sector contributes 5.8 per cent of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides livelihoods to over 30 per cent of the Nigerian rural population, while adding that for livestock business in Nigeria to remain profitable and sustainable in the face of growing population and demand for protein, it is important that animal diseases and epidemics are well controlled and eradicated.
READ ALSO Delta boosts agricultural enterprise with 25 cluster farms
“The establishment and equipping of Chi Farms’ ultra-modern veterinary diagnostic laboratory being commissioned today in Ibadan could not have come at a better time than now that Nigeria is looking forward to diversification of its economy through agricultural and other non-oil sectors.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate Chi Farms and Zoetis-Alpha for this laudable initiative and call on other foreign organisations to partner with Nigeria on animal health and veterinary services,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the National President, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Mr. Ezekiel Ibrahim, said the poultry industry in Nigeria has been confronted with many challenges especially losses as a result of diseases outbreak, which, according to him, has frustrated and crippled some farmers’ investments, leaving them dejected and hopeless.