The Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation has concluded an orientation and familiarisation programme for 160 newly employed veterinary doctors and para-veterinarians, marking the largest recruitment drive in the state’s veterinary sector in over two decades.
The orientation programme was designed to integrate the new personnel into the ministry’s operational framework, clarify their roles and responsibilities, and prepare them for effective service delivery across Enugu State’s 17 local government areas.
Under the leadership of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr Patrick Ubru, and in collaboration with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), more than 100 veterinary doctors and para-veterinarians have already been engaged, with full deployment expected to strengthen animal healthcare, disease prevention, and livestock productivity statewide.
Agricultural Consultant and CEO of Ugwu Anama Farms Ltd, Alhaji Ibrahim Sani Ahmed, encouraged the newly recruited professionals, describing them as young and vibrant enough to deliver on their mandate. He urged them to put in their best efforts to actualise the Governor’s vision, noting that the Governor’s livestock development plans are massive and require individuals with dedication and integrity to achieve.
During the programme, Commissioner Ubru urged the new recruits to uphold professionalism, dedication, and integrity in their duties. He emphasised the importance of close collaboration with livestock farmers and rural communities, noting that accessible veterinary services are critical to improving production and advancing the state’s food-security agenda.
Dr Ubru also highlighted that the deployment of personnel across all 17 LGAs would enhance early disease detection, bring services closer to farmers, and strengthen the state’s capacity to respond to livestock-health challenges.
A key component of the expansion is the model veterinary hospital constructed by L-PRES at Akwuke, which will serve as a strategic hub for specialised animal-health services, training, and disease management.
To ensure efficient management and sustainability, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement was signed between the ministry and two private firms—Tropical Veterinary Consult Ltd and Hope Animal Health Care—for the operation of the hospital’s laboratory and pharmacy sections. The session was facilitated by the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr Ifeyinwa Elizabeth Nnajieze.
The Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Ijeoma Ekene Nnaji, encouraged the new team to work cohesively and bring their best to the sector.
In their vote of thanks, representatives of the newly employed professionals expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for approving the recruitment, describing it as a transformative step for livestock development in Enugu State. They pledged commitment to excellence, teamwork, and responsible service, aligning their efforts with the administration’s broader development objectives.
The programme drew senior officials and stakeholders, including:
Dr Patrick Ubru, Commissioner, Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation
Mr Williams Chukwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture
Dr Ifeyinwa Elizabeth Nnajieze, State Project Coordinator, L-PRES
Dr Ijeoma Ekene Nnaji, Director of Veterinary Services
Administrative Head, Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation
Newly employed veterinary doctors, para-veterinarians, and support staff
The event concluded on a cordial note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening veterinary services, boosting livestock production, and supporting food security in Enugu State.
