Edo, FG Explore Joint Actions to Advance Livestock Development

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, on Thursday 6th November 2025, received the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion, who led a delegation from Edo State on a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja. 

The visit follows the recent creation of the Edo State Ministry of Livestock Development, a deliberate step by the state government to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and contribute meaningfully to national food security.

Mukhtar commended Edo State for creating a dedicated ministry, describing it as a progressive step that will ensure focused development of the livestock sector. 

He assured of the Federal Government's eagerness to work closely with the state, beginning with a comprehensive joint inventory of livestock facilities, including ranches, abattoirs, breeding centres and veterinary infrastructure. 

"Our priority is to modernise the entire value chain. We must move away from manual slaughter slabs to hygienic mechanized abattoirs located within disease-free zones. This is essential for public health, food safety and job creation.

Edo has the potential to become a major livestock hub for the South-South. With its ranches, grazing reserves and market access, the state can supply processed red meat across the region and beyond,” the Minister stated. 

The Minister also announced plans to visit Edo State in the first quarter of next year to inspect facilities and engage stakeholders across the value chain. 

Earlier, Professor Omorodion reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, to partnering with the Federal Government to unlock the state’s vast livestock potential. 

He noted that Edo State is strategically positioned as a major hub for livestock production and processing in the South-South, with expansive grazing reserves, diverse livestock resources and a long history of ranching. 

The Commissioner also highlighted ongoing initiatives in the state, including the establishment of modern veterinary hospitals, improved diagnostic laboratories, artificial insemination centres and collaborations with development partners aimed at enhancing livestock breeding, disease control and farmer livelihoods. 

He sought the Ministry’s support in modernising abattoirs, strengthening livestock markets, improving feed production, reviving old ranches and implementing animal identification and traceability systems to enhance security and disease surveillance.

Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu
Head, Press and Public Relations 
6th November, 2025