The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has distributed 100 bullocks, heifers and livestock production inputs to women and youths as part of efforts to reposition the livestock sector in Jigawa State.
The empowerment programme was held in Dutse, Jigawa State, and implemented in collaboration with Meteorite Logistics Ltd.
A total of 100 beneficiaries participated in the programme, comprising 52 women and 48 youths drawn from the North-West, North-East and North-Central geopolitical zones.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, represented by the Director of Livestock Extension and Business Development, said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector.
He said the programme is aimed at improving food security, creating jobs and enhancing livelihoods across the country.
According to the minister, the distribution of quality breeding stock and livestock production inputs forms part of the ministry’s strategic interventions to empower women and youths within the livestock value chain.
He said improved access to productive livestock assets would increase livestock productivity, raise household incomes, promote entrepreneurship and create sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
Maiha described the intervention as an investment in the future of Nigeria’s livestock industry rather than a simple empowerment programme.
He urged beneficiaries to adopt improved animal husbandry practices, properly manage the animals and expand their herds to maximise the benefits of the initiative.
The minister also advised recipients to use the livestock responsibly to ensure the Federal Government’s investment delivers lasting benefits for their families and communities.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Jigawa State Coordinator of the Association of Women in Agriculture and Rural Farmers of Nigeria (AWARFAN), Dr. Maryam Miko, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Livestock Development for the intervention.
She described the support as timely, saying the heifer allocated to her would help establish a livestock business, improve her family’s income and contribute to food production.
Also speaking, Umar Usman, who received the livestock on behalf of his wife, Hannatu Musa, commended the Federal Government for prioritising women and vulnerable households.
He said the intervention would improve household income and strengthen food security for his family.
The Jigawa State representative of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ahmed Abubakar, also welcomed the initiative.
He said the programme would support livestock farmers, improve production and contribute to the growth of the livestock sector in Jigawa State.
In his closing remarks, an official of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Mr. Olorunfemi, urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the livestock and production inputs provided.
He described the programme as a landmark intervention following the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Olorunfemi encouraged beneficiaries to nurture the animals, expand their herds and become employers of labour.
Officials of the ministry and Meteorite Logistics Ltd. also provided guidance on animal husbandry, feeding, breeding and animal healthcare to help ensure the sustainability of the programme.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reaffirmed its commitment to implementing policies and programmes that will modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector, improve food security, create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and support the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
