Kogi Ministry of livestock development Flags Off Construction of World-Class Model Veterinary Hospital Under World Bank–Supported L-PRES Project
By Hannah Ademu
Osara, Kogi State
January 28, 2026
The Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development, in collaboration with the National Coordinating Office of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Abuja, has officially handed over the project site for the construction of the Kogi State Model Veterinary Hospital, a landmark World Bank supported initiative.
The site handover ceremony took place at Osara, within the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC), marking a major step forward in strengthening animal health services and advancing livestock development in Kogi State.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, described the occasion as a historic milestone in the Kogi State Government’s drive to modernise and reposition the livestock sector under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State.
According to the Commissioner, the project represents a bold move to transform the livestock sector into a modern, productive and resilient contributor to food security, public health and economic growth in the state and beyond.
Dr. Bolarin expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the World Bank, and the National L-PRES Office for their unwavering commitment to strengthening livestock systems across participating states. He noted that Kogi State is proud to be a beneficiary of this strategic intervention, which aligns seamlessly with the state’s development agenda and livestock transformation roadmap.
He emphasised that the Model Veterinary Hospital goes far beyond brick and mortar, describing it as a strategic investment that will:
Improve animal health service delivery,
Enhance disease surveillance, prevention and control, Strengthen the One Health approach linking animal, human and environmental health, Boost livestock productivity and value-chain development and Create jobs and build capacity for veterinary and allied professionals.
Upon completion, the facility will serve as a Centre of Excellence for veterinary clinical services, diagnostics, training and emergency response, not only for Kogi State, but also for neighbouring states in the region.
Addressing the contractors, Dr. Bolarin stated that the site handover marks the beginning of a serious responsibility. He stressed the importance of strict adherence to project specifications, quality standards, timelines and safety regulations as outlined in the contract. He assured that the Kogi State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) and the National L-PRES Office will closely monitor the project to ensure value for money and timely delivery.
The Commissioner further reaffirmed the Ministry’s full commitment to providing the institutional support, coordination and enabling environment required for the successful execution of the project.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Bolarin called on the host community and all stakeholders to give their full cooperation to ensure smooth implementation. He once again expressed profound gratitude to L-PRES and its development partners for the impactful intervention and expressed confidence that, upon completion, the Model Veterinary Hospital will firmly position Kogi State as a leader in sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.
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