Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government on Tuesday commissioned a model veterinary hospital in Enugu and unveiled plans for a 15,000-cattle integrated ranch, marking another major step in its livestock sector reforms under the World Bank–supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES).
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, performed the commissioning of the Enugu facility barely a week after inaugurating a similar hospital in Yola, Adamawa State. He said the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible results through investments in modern livestock infrastructure, stronger veterinary systems, and expanded support for livestock-dependent Nigerians. According to him, seven model veterinary hospitals have been completed nationwide, with 14 others at various stages of development.
The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, commended the Federal Government for extending quality veterinary services to the Southeast. He urged collaboration between the new hospital and Enugu State University to advance veterinary training, improve livestock productivity, and stimulate broader economic growth.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said the new hospital, equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment technologies, will significantly strengthen animal healthcare services. “Healthy animals mean higher productivity, safer food, stronger markets, and improved livelihoods. This hospital is not just a facility, it is a lifeline,” she said.
The National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, explained that the centre will operate a hybrid model involving private and state-employed veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals under a governance structure to be inaugurated by the Minister. He said the approach will ensure sustainability, expand service delivery, and deepen public-private collaboration in line with global standards.
Later in the day, the Minister performed the groundbreaking for the Enugu State Integrated Livestock Centre in Ubahu-Nkanu East LGA, a flagship ranching project with an initial 15,000-cattle capacity. The project signals a shift from open grazing to a fully integrated and commercially viable livestock value chain envisioned to strengthen food security, attract investment, create jobs, and position Enugu as a modern meat processing and export hub.
The events were witnessed by the World Bank Co-Task Team Leader for L-PRES, Dr. Chidozie Anyiro; Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru; senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development; Registrar of the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science, Prof. Herbert Udo; Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Enugu State chapter, Dr. Joseph Iloh; and the State Coordinator for L-PRES, Dr. Ifeyinwa Elizabeth Nnajeze.
