FMARD Inaugurates Animal Healthcare Centre In Ibadan

On Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), unveiled a primary animal health centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, that will assist in the delivery of quality animal healthcare services and enhance campaigns against zoonotic and epizootic diseases.

The centre established by the ministry has been handed over to the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said: “the centre was designed to boost the capacity of the college to enhance the delivery of quality animal healthcare services for the populace.”

Represented by Dr. Kakulu Omonele, FMARD Coordinator in the state, Umakhihe said the centre would also provide enabling ground for graduates of the college to enable them to compete favourably in their chosen careers.

According to Umakhihe, the handover of the facility to the college will ensure proper management, effective utilisation, and sustainability.

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“Please ensure that all proper management procedures are put in place and documented appropriately. FMARD is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring an enabling learning and working environment for both the students of the college and workers as well.

“The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria, as one of the colleges under the coverage of the ministry, has benefited from various infrastructural facilities like other institutions in Nigeria.

“Dear beneficiaries, sustainability of this infrastructure facility should be a collective effort by ensuring that proper management is upheld,” he said.

He further pledged the continued support of the ministry to the college.

Dr. Adekoya Owosunbo, the Provost of the College, lauded the gesture and pledged to ensure proper utilisation of the facility to serve its purpose. The provost added that it would assist in ensuring the effective training of the students in the areas of animal health and technology as it would also impact the immediate community in mitigating animal diseases and encourage research in the college.