Gov Inuwa Deepens Livestock Sector Reforms as L-PRES Delivers New Facilities Across Gombe
From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has stepped up efforts to revitalise the livestock sector with the handover of additional facilities for rehabilitation and upgrade under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.
The latest phase of the intervention covers two Farmer Field Schools located at Ladongor in Billiri Local Government Area and Wajari in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, as well as the rehabilitation of a veterinary hospital in Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area.
The development follows the recent handover of three veterinary hospitals in Nafada, Bajoga and Tongo, in addition to a Farmer Field School in Kupto, as part of the state’s wider livestock infrastructure renewal programme.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Billiri, the State Project Coordinator of Gombe L-PRES, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, said the projects reflect the deliberate commitment of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration to reposition the livestock sector as a key driver of economic growth.
He noted that livestock production remains a major source of livelihood in northern Nigeria and assured that the government is investing in modern infrastructure and improved animal husbandry practices to boost productivity, food security and income generation.
The Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Area, Hon. Egla Idris, expressed appreciation to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the sustained development initiatives in the area, describing the projects as a clear demonstration of the administration’s concern for grassroots welfare.
She also applauded the award of the contract to a Billiri indigene, saying it would enhance local participation and economic empowerment.
In Yamaltu Deba, Professor Abubakar said the rehabilitation of the Farmer Field School in Wajari would strengthen the capacity of livestock farmers through training in modern production techniques, stressing that livestock farming must be approached as a business for it to be profitable and sustainable.
The Chairman of Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Difa, described the intervention as timely, recalling other L-PRES projects in the area, including live bird markets in Kwadon and Kuri, as well as solar-powered boreholes serving livestock communities.
At Talasse in Balanga Local Government Area, the L-PRES Coordinator announced the rehabilitation of the veterinary hospital to improve animal healthcare services, including treatment and minor surgical procedures.
The Balanga LGA leadership commended the project, noting its importance to improving livelihoods at the grassroots.
Contractors handling the projects assured stakeholders that the facilities would be completed in line with approved specifications and timelines.
The ongoing projects form part of broader L-PRES interventions across Gombe State, which include the construction and rehabilitation of veterinary hospitals, abattoirs, livestock markets, laboratories and other critical infrastructure aimed at building a resilient, modern and profitable livestock sector.
