The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project Implementation Support Mission has officially commenced in Adamawa State, bringing together representatives from participating states, the Federal Government, the World Bank, the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), project coordinators, technical experts and other partners in Nigeria’s livestock development sector.
The five-day mission, holding at the Yobi Conference Venue in Adamawa State, is designed to review the progress, achievements, challenges and priority actions of the L-PRES Project across participating states. It will also provide an opportunity for peer learning, exchange of experiences, technical discussions and strategic planning aimed at strengthening project implementation and ensuring the effective delivery of its objectives.
In his welcome remarks, the National Project Coordinator, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, warmly received delegates from the participating states and encouraged them to feel at home throughout the duration of the mission. He urged participants to make the most of their stay in Adamawa State while engaging fully in the important deliberations and activities lined up for the conference.
Also speaking, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr. Manievel Sene, expressed appreciation to the participating states and encouraged their representatives to remain committed to the collective goal of improving livestock productivity and resilience across Nigeria. He emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing and sustained implementation in achieving the expected outcomes of the project.
In his opening address, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, welcomed all state delegations, development partners and stakeholders to the Implementation Support Mission. The Minister expressed delight at the gathering and commended the commitment of participating states, the World Bank and other partners toward the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
He noted that the L-PRES Project remains a critical intervention for improving livestock productivity, strengthening the resilience of pastoral and farming communities, promoting animal health, expanding market access and advancing sustainable livestock development across the country.
The Minister therefore urged participants to take full advantage of the mission by sharing practical experiences, identifying common implementation challenges and developing workable solutions that would enhance project delivery at both state and national levels.
A major highlight of the session was the presentation by participating states on their respective project achievements and implementation experiences. The Enugu State Project Coordinator, Dr. Ifeyinwa Elizabeth Nnajieze, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the milestones recorded under the L-PRES Project in Enugu State with support from the World Bank.
Dr. Nnajieze highlighted key interventions, progress and outcomes achieved by the state in advancing livestock development, strengthening project coordination and implementing critical components of the L-PRES Project. Her presentation received commendation and applause from participants, reflecting the remarkable efforts of the Enugu State Project Implementation Unit and the visible impact of the project across the state.
The Enugu State presentation further demonstrated the value of strong commitment, effective coordination, stakeholder collaboration and judicious utilisation of project resources in achieving measurable results. It also offered other participating states an opportunity to learn from Enugu State’s implementation model and adapt relevant strategies to improve the delivery of L-PRES interventions in their respective locations.
As the mission continues, other participating states are expected to make presentations on their achievements, innovative approaches, lessons learned, operational challenges and areas requiring additional technical and institutional support.
Stakeholders are optimistic that the deliberations, presentations and recommendations emerging from the five-day mission will further strengthen the nationwide implementation of the L-PRES Project. The meeting is also expected to reinforce the shared commitment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, state governments, the World Bank and other relevant partners toward building a more productive, resilient, inclusive and commercially viable livestock sector in Nigeria.
