The Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has received a significant boost to its animal health services with the delivery of 500,000 doses of Anthrax spore vaccines.
The vaccines were provided by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) and delivered by its National Project Coordinator (NPC), Abubakar Sanusi.
Sanusi, who was received by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah, emphasized that the delivery is part of L-PRES’s ongoing efforts to enhance animal health services in Kogi State.
He highlighted the critical role of vaccination in preventing the spread of anthrax and safeguarding livestock, which in turn supports the livelihoods of farmers and boosts the local economy.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojomah expressed profound appreciation for the delivery, acknowledging the impact such support has on the state’s agricultural sector.
He noted that the delivery of the vaccines is timely and essential for the prevention of anthrax outbreaks, which pose a significant threat to livestock and public health.
The commissioner further requested continued and expanded support from L-PRES to sustain and advance the state’s animal health initiatives. He outlined the need for ongoing collaboration and resource allocation to ensure the robustness of Kogi State’s veterinary services.
“In addition to the vaccine delivery, the visit of the National Project Coordinator also included the inspection of the completed Cold Chain Storage Facility and Laboratory within the ministry’s complex.
“These state-of-the-art facilities are critical for the effective storage and analysis of vaccines and other veterinary supplies, ensuring that they remain potent and safe for use.
“The Cold Chain Storage Facility is equipped with advanced refrigeration systems designed to maintain vaccines at optimal temperatures, while the Laboratory is fitted with modern diagnostic equipment to support comprehensive animal health assessments.
“This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the L-PRES project, which focuses on strengthening national livestock institutions, enhancing value chain performance, and implementing crisis prevention and management strategies.
“The delivery of the anthrax vaccines and the inspection of the new facilities represent significant steps in bolstering the resilience and productivity of livestock in Kogi State,” the commissioner added.