Not fewer than 100 smallholder livestock farmers have benefited from the first phase of a goat empowerment programme, supported by key stakeholders in the livestock sector.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, conducted the distribution exercise at the state coordination office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Ilorin on Thursday. She stated that the initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to stimulate growth in the livestock industry.

As the pioneer commissioner of the newly established ministry, Mrs Thomas highlighted the success of capacity-building training organised under the Kwara L-PRES Project, which has produced tangible outcomes. She further noted that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's vision extends beyond training, aiming to empower individuals financially, thereby enhancing their livelihoods and contributing to the economic development of Kwara State

She said the beneficiaries, who are members of the “Agbeloba Omodara” cluster farming group, deserved the gesture due to their contributions in stepping down the knowledge gained during the intensive training programmes to other people at the grassroots.

While congratulating the beneficiaries, the commissioner reiterated the government's commitment to supporting every livestock farmer in achieving their goals and transforming the livestock sector of the state.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, Mr Olusoji Oyawoye, said the small ruminant animals were donated by individuals in the state to encourage group members and support their livestock business.

Oyawoye described livestock as a stock of wealth that could be disposed of in time of emergency, adding that the beneficiaries had been taught how to integrate crop farming and livestock farming to reduce the cost of feeding the animals and maximise their profits.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the “Agbeloba Omodara” Cooperative Farming Group, Mallam Shuaib Ajibola, assured the government and donor agencies of proper monitoring to ensure that the animals were well taken care of.

Also, the commissioner inspected the ongoing livestock projects in the Akerebiata abattoir in Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state.

The facilities inspected included the newly constructed 60 tonnes solar-powered cold storage facility for storing livestock products in the market, the slaughter slab section, and water facilities, among others.

The commissioner and her team were also conducted round the market by the management and the executive members of the Kwara State Butchers Union.