The Kwara State Government has launched a statewide vaccination campaign against transboundary animal diseases across all 16 local government areas as part of efforts to improve animal health and boost livestock productivity.

The campaign was officially flagged off in Ilorin West Local Government Area under the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Ayobola Thomas, said the exercise is designed to prevent and control major transboundary animal diseases while strengthening the state's livestock sector.

Represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Abdullateef Salman Olugbon, the commissioner explained that the initiative would enhance livestock productivity, protect the livelihoods of pastoralists and farmers, and contribute to national food security.

She commended the Federal Government and the L-PRES Project for their continued support in combating transboundary animal diseases and reaffirmed the state's commitment to safeguarding animal health.

The commissioner also encouraged livestock farmers across Kwara State to register with the Ministry of Livestock Development to benefit from the vaccination exercise and other government interventions.

In his remarks, the Director of Livestock Services, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Umar, described the L-PRES initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening animal health systems and improving the resilience of Nigeria's livestock sector.

He said the vaccination campaign comes at a critical time and assured stakeholders that the vaccines would be effectively utilised to maximise their impact.

Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator, Mr Olusoji Oyawoye, represented by the Project Animal Health Officer, Dr Bukola Richards, said the exercise would help prevent outbreaks of transboundary animal diseases, reduce livestock illness and improve productivity across the state.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development recently supplied the vaccines through the L-PRES Project to support states in strengthening animal health services nationwide.

The event concluded with the symbolic vaccination of cattle by Dr Abdullateef Salman Olugbon, signalling the official commencement of the statewide campaign.