Taraba is fully set for L-PRES take off – Commissioner Namessan
By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Taraba State Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Mr Nicholas Namessan has disclosed that the State is full ready for the take off of Federal Government’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).
Namessan disclosed this while interacting with National officials of the project who were in the State to access the level of readiness of the State for the project.
The Commissioner disclosed that the state has already set aside 1000 hectares of suitable land with access to markets and electricity and is ready to fully support the federal government for the implementation of the project in the state.
According to Namessan, “Taraba State has 50-60% of the Livestock in the Northeast, and the largest concentration of livestock in an area which is on the Mambila Plateau. Taraba State is Third largest State in Nigeria in terms of landmass, has the longest stretch of the river Benue, and our livestock centres are situated within the state and not on the boarders as is the case with other States. This tells you that the livestock we have here are homegrown and not those coming in from neighbouring countries.
“As a State government, we strongly believe that we have the potentials to supply all the livestock needs of the country especially when it comes to beef and other diary products. All we need is to properly harness these potentials and this is what the L-PRES project presents. That is why we are not taking it lightly.
“Nigeria can generate a lot more revenue from livestock than crop farming. The unfortunate reality is that, little attention has been given to the sector over the years. We have allowed primitive practices to prevail and have refused to embrace innovations and global best practices. Now is the right time to change the narrative and embrace the opportunities that come with doing it right”.
Dr Wasiu Adeoye, Technical Operations Manager TOM, Project Headquarters Abuja, who led the delegation to Taraba said that the team was impressed with the level of preparation of the State government.
Adeoye noted that the size of the land and it’s position is really attractive as it is close to an airport, a major market and easily accessible. He assured that the team will consider every other parameters and would love to have the Livestock Centre operational in the State.
Our Correspondent reports that the Five man team from the project headquarters in Abuja, in company with the State team and Special Adviser to the State Governor on Agriculture and food security Engineer Hassan Maikasuwa, visited the proposed site for the Livestock Centre in Ardo Kola local government area of the State where they interacted with the community folks before proceeding to inspect the site and paid a courtesy call on the State Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and food security Mr Nicholas Namessan.
12 States are contesting the Five slots available for the World Bank sponsored projects.
