The Kogi State Government has commenced the rehabilitation and upgrade of nine livestock markets across the state under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.
The initiative was officially flagged off at the Okumi Livestock Market in Lokoja during a stakeholders’ engagement and site handover ceremony. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Olufemi Bolarin, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritising the livestock sector and improving security across the state. He urged livestock farmers and marketers to promote peaceful coexistence to attract more development.
State Project Coordinator, Abdulkabir Otaru, disclosed that the project has received World Bank approval, completed procurement processes, and awarded the contract to RSA Global Investment Limited. He said one livestock market in each federal constituency Okene, Osara-Ngada, Ero, Ejule, Ankpa, Sheria, Okumi, Kabba, and Egbe will be rehabilitated.
According to Otaru, the upgraded markets will include administrative offices, veterinary clinics, security posts, water and sanitation facilities, solar-powered streetlights, and loading ramps. The project is expected to be completed within six to twelve months and aims to address infrastructure gaps, improve productivity, and strengthen resilience in the livestock sector.
Community leaders and market representatives pledged full support for the project, assuring proper use, maintenance, and sustainability of the facilities.
