the Kwara State Coordination Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) held an engagement meeting with stakeholders in the livestock farming sector in Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas.
The meeting, part of the coordination office’s efforts to ensure stakeholder participation in the L-PRES project’s implementation, took place at the Obelawo Multi-purpose Events Hall in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government.
Attendees included High Chief Olora of Ijagbo, Alhaji Mudashir Bamidele Ajiboye, and other livestock farmers from the Ibolo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA). The focus was on establishing a Farmers’ Field School (FFS) to enhance the project’s success in the region.
In his opening remarks, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye said the aim of the project is to improve productivity in livestock business, enhance the commercialization of selected value chain, ensure access to finance, and strengthen the capacity of farmers and value chain operators in the livestock sector of the Country.
The Coordinator, represented by the Project Gender and Gender Based Violent Officer, Mrs. Folake Iseyemi urged the participants to ensure at least 30 per cent of women inclusion in the formation of their cluster/cooperative groups with a view to following the World Bank laid down guidelines.
On his part, the Project Extension Officer, Mr. Nureni AbdulRasaq explained that the meeting, among other things, is to sensitize the livestock farmers on the proposed farmers’ field school in the area.
According to him, this will help to improve the existing knowledge of farmers, skills, and their productivity that will lead to increased income and better decision making.
AbdulRasaq solicited their cooperation and active participation for a better result in animal husbandry practices in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, the Olora of Ijagbo, Alhaji Mudashir Bamidele Ajiboye appreciated the World Bank, the Federal Government and the State Government in their efforts to elevate the standard of living of the people in livestock business, assuring the team of their maximum support and cooperation in the implementation of the project.
