By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said that the geospatial mapping conducted in partnership with the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano, will serve as a critical framework for addressing the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts and advancing the overall growth of the livestock sector in the state.
The governor also received livestock productivity extension materials from the CDA under the Kwara Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.
Represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Mallam Saadudeen Salaudeen, at the presentation of the mapping in Ilorin, AbdulRazaq praised the university’s research team for their professionalism and commitment throughout the exercise, pledging the state government’s readiness to implement the recommendations in full.
He expressed appreciation to the National Office of L-PRES, the World Bank, the Federal Government, and other partners whose contributions, he said, were vital to the project’s success.
“This presentation is not merely a collection of maps and statistics; it is a strategic instrument that will guide informed, evidence-based decisions for livestock development, conflict prevention, and sustainable management of natural resources in Kwara,” the governor said.
According to him, the findings have revealed significant changes in land use and vegetation cover over the last two decades, a severe shortage and uneven spread of functional water points, and the state of grazing corridors, along with challenges caused by encroachment and other pressures.
He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, and security agencies to collaborate closely with the government in executing the study’s recommendations.
The State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, described the mapping as a breakthrough for the ministry, noting that it provides a solid, evidence-based platform for planning, intervention, and policy design. She said the ministry is committed to using the geospatial database to prioritise the rehabilitation of water points and develop climate-resilient watering systems.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Richard described the occasion as a landmark step towards resolving long-standing farmer-herder disputes in Nigeria. He explained that the project is part of the 10-year National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) running from 2019 to 2028, which is aimed at overhauling the country’s livestock sector.
National Coordinator for L-PRES, Sanusi, commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s investment in livestock development and promised continued support for the state’s ambition to achieve a transformative shift in the sector.
He disclosed that the National L-PRES office had recently secured four approvals in favour of the state, including the construction of a new veterinary hospital, an animal boarding facility in Baruten Local Government Area, and the supply of vaccines to tackle four major livestock diseases.
“I have four pieces of good news for Kwara State,” Sanusi said. “We have approval for a new veterinary hospital to complement the state’s ongoing efforts, approval for an animal boarding facility in Baruten, and approval for vaccines to protect against four livestock diseases.”
