A three-day national capacity-building workshop has commenced in Abuja to enhance the technical competencies of Livestock Extension Officers from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory on Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHPs).
The programme, organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), is expected to strengthen field-level advisory services and standardise extension messaging across the country.
Declaring the workshop open in Abuja on Monday, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, who was represented by the Director, Livestock Extension and Business Development Department, Mr. Joseph Ako, addressed participants at the opening session.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s mandate to build a modern, structured, and commercially viableHead, Press and Public Relations, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu livestock industry that ensures food security, drives economic diversification, and enhances farmers’ livelihoods.
According to a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, the Permanent Secretary noted that livestock extension officers are “the lifeblood of the transformation agenda,” as they serve as the vital link between research innovations and grassroots farmers.
"Your role in interpreting national livestock policies and delivering accurate advisory services, will determine the success of Nigeria’s livestock development strategy," she stressed.
Mr. Ako who earlier welcomed participants, encouraged them to fully engage with the facilitators and maximise the learning opportunity, stressing that their improved competencies will directly impact livestock farmers across the country.
The workshop aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS), where livestock extension services constitute a central pillar for achieving improved productivity, modern production systems, and sustainable animal management practices nationwide.
Participants will undergo intensive training in key thematic areas, including Principles of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) and Animal Welfare; Nutrition and Feed Management; Animal Health and Disease Management.
Other topics include Biosecurity, Waste Management and One Health; Breeding, Reproduction and Record Keeping; Housing, Handling and Humane Practices; Extension Communication and Participatory Methods, etc.