Jigawa state government has declared free medical services for livestock in all 27 local government areas to enhance food security, boost the rural economy, and improve animal husbandry practices.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi made the policy declaration while speaking at the official launch of 135 Mobile Veterinary Clinics held in Garbau village of Miga Local Government Area of the state
He said the program was designed to provide free veterinary services for livestock to enhance milk and meat production in the state.
The Governor noted that the mobile clinic is expected to reach out to the livestock farmers in their farms / Ruga and deliver the required medical services within their limit”
“Each local government area will receive five fully equipped motorcycles to support mobile veterinary services. 135 motorcycles have been distributed, adding to the existing fleet to make up 535 mobile veterinary clinics across the state.”
“The veterinary staff in each local government will travel to nomadic communities, offering services free of charge. This ensures that Fulani herders can maintain healthy cattle, which is essential to their way of life and the state’s economy.”
“This initiative, the first of its kind in Jigawa State and the nation, aligns with my administration’s ambitious 12-point agenda to improve the lives of citizens, particularly those in remote areas.
According to the governor, Local government councils have committed to ensuring continued supply of medicines and vaccines, for the sustainability of the program.
He further stressed the importance of maintaining harmony between farmers and herders, especially by safeguarding cattle routes and enhancing grazing reserves, saying that the areas will be equipped with watering points to ensure that herders have access to sufficient water for their cattle, as this will promote peaceful coexistence between communities.
In his speech at the occasion, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Hon. Ahmad Maikudi, said the 27 local government councils are committed to joining hands in actualizing the 12-point agenda of the Governor for greater Jigawa.
“Today’s occasion is a classic example of local government council commitment to complement the effort of state government toward improving the social and economic wellbeing of Jigawa citizens in all ramifications” Hon MK stated
