• Says govt committed to improved breeds, higher productivity

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has flagged off the artificial insemination of cattle across the state to improve local breeding and enhance milk and dairy production.

The project is being implemented by the State Government in partnership with the Genex URUS American International Animal Company.

State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon Oloruntoyosi Thomas, while flagging off the programme in Ilorin on Saturday, said the exercise is designed to cover thousands of cattle, with the initial 500 cattle for the month of September.

Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Yahaya, some principal officers in the Ministry, SAPZ, L-pres, students of Animal Production from University of Ilorin, Kwara State University Malete, and Usman Dan-Fodio University, Sokoto, the Commissioner led the delegation to TGB Farms in Ganiki, Ilorin South Local Government Area, where they carried out the artificial insemination.

Hon Toyosi said plans are underway to establish an insemination center in Malete, and later replicate such in other identified communities within the state to improve the farmers’ access to the intervention.

“One of the ways to improve breeds is through artificial insemination. We are going to inseminate thousands of cattle across the state. We started the process this month with the synchronization of the animals, and now we are doing the insemination,” she said.

“In terms of numbers, we are going to inseminate thousands. We are starting with five hundred this month of September, but by the end of the year we are hoping to reach maybe a thousand, and then we keep going. It’s a long process but we are just starting. This intervention is one of its series by the government for us to be able to transform livestock in Kwara State.

“We need to ensure that we have our well trained technicians – artificial insemination technicians – and that’s why we are involving our students from the University of Ilorin, the various tertiary institutions in the state, and today we have students from University of Ilorin with us. We also have youths from the pastoralist community.”

According to her, the training will help eliminate synchronization of cattle, reduce the cost, and improve the success rate of the insemination campaign.

Director of Livestock in the Ministry, Alhaji Ahmed Umar, expressed hope that 85% success will be achieved in the exercise, appealing for the support of all key stakeholders.

“We want to develop this sector the way it should be developed by having improved breeds. This cannot be done alone. All stakeholders must come together to ensure success. That is where we are at the moment,” he said.

Team Lead, Genex URUS American International Animal Breeding Company, Dr Saka Shittu, thanked the state government for keying into the programme and called on cattle owners to embrace it.

He said, “For now, the programme focuses on cattle; it will later be extended to other livestock. The essence of the programme is that animals are being inseminated with improved semen selected to boost dairy production.

“We appeal to all farmers, especially our Fulani colleagues (FMP) and small holder dairy ranchers, to key into this programme. If you have any questions or reservations, please contact L-Press, the sponsor of the programme. In Kwara State the service is currently completely free.”

Dr Shittu said every farmer is entitled to get their two cattle inseminated at no cost, urging all and sundry to take advantage of the opportunity now.

Director of TGB Farms, Mrs. Ishola Busayo Peace, commended the state government for extending the opportunity to their farms.

“Thank you very much, we really appreciate you for coming down to our farm and giving us the privilege to be one of the farms you selected for this programme. Thank you, we appreciate you all,” he said.

Owodunni Lawal, a student of Animal Production from University of Ilorin, appreciated the government for the given opportunity to have practical knowledge of artificial insemination.

By: Our correspondent.

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, has been described as a symbol of loyalty, humility and service.
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and a Federal Commissioner in the Federal Complaints Commission, Yusuf Adamu, stated in a press statement.
Hon. Adamu noted that, “leadership is not only about occupying a position; it is also about loyalty, responsibility, humility, and the willingness to serve”.
According to him, Senator Kashim Shettima, has continued to demonstrate these qualities in his service as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He commended the zvice President’s loyalty to the administration, of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commitment to national development, and humble approach to public service as qualities that distinguish him.

“From Borno to the national stage, Shettima has continued to carry himself with dignity and purpose, Adamu added..
While praying for divine guidance, Adamu also stated that Shettima’s steps should be an inspiration to other leaders.
He said Shettima’s capacity and wisdom in handling issues should serve as a compass for Nigeria’s future leaders.

24-hour curfew imposed in Minna over deaths of miners in NSCDC custody.

The Niger State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital, following rising tension over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The curfew is aimed at dousing tension and maintaining peace and public order in the state capital as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The development comes amid protest in the city with angry youth blocking many part of the town.

There have been multiple investigations into the incident, including a probe ordered by President Bola Tinubu and an investigative committee constituted by the Niger State Government.

Security agencies have been urged to ensure the enforcement of the curfew while protecting lives and property and allowing the investigation into the deaths to proceed without disruption.