The Kwara State Government has handed over land for the construction of an ultra-modern veterinary hospital under the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project to improve livestock productivity and animal health services across the state.
The handover ceremony took place at the State Veterinary Clinic in Ilorin, where the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Ayobola Thomas, said the project aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthening animal healthcare delivery.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, the commissioner explained that the facility will serve as a full-fledged veterinary hospital and a referral centre for animal health services in the state.
He noted that the hospital will offer clinical diagnostic services, disease surveillance and control, pharmacy and drug management, livestock extension services, as well as training and research opportunities for veterinarians and livestock farmers.
The facility is also expected to operate a digitized system that will enable farmers across the state to remotely request veterinary services.
Thomas commended the World Bank and the L-PRES project for supporting the state’s livestock development agenda, assuring stakeholders of the ministry’s readiness to ensure successful completion of the project.
In his remarks, Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Abdullateef Salman Olugbon, said the hospital would enhance disease diagnosis, treatment, and biosecurity measures while strengthening capacity for animal health workers.
He added that the facility would improve disease surveillance and contribute to increased livestock productivity and public health safety.
Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, represented by Project Animal Health Officer Dr. Bukola Richards, expressed appreciation to the state government for meeting key project requirements.
She noted that the hospital would improve access to quality animal healthcare, reduce livestock diseases, and boost farmers’ income while meeting international standards.
