Edo State Livestock Productivity & Resilience Support - Project L PRES

16/07/2026

🚨 EDO STATE L-PRES LAUNCHES FREE MASS ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI) PROGRAMME FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS

Are you a cattle, sheep, or goat farmer in Edo State? This is a golden opportunity to improve the quality, productivity, and market value of your livestock at NO COST.

The Edo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced a Statewide Mass Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme, with trained veterinary teams already deployed across the three senatorial districts to provide the service free of charge to livestock farmers.

Why Participate?

Artificial Insemination (AI) is a proven livestock improvement technology that enables farmers to breed their animals with superior genetic stock, resulting in:

✅ Bigger and healthier animals
✅ Faster growth and maturity rates
✅ Higher milk production in cattle
✅ Stronger resistance to diseases
✅ Healthier calves, kids, and lambs
✅ Increased market value and profitability
✅ Protection against sexually transmitted livestock diseases
✅ Prevention of inbreeding within herds

Superior Breeds Available

Through this programme, farmers will have access to superior breeds including:

🐄 Cattle: Simmental and Angus
🐐 Goats: Boer
🐑 Sheep: Kalahari Red and Dorper

These breeds have been carefully selected to improve the genetic quality of local livestock and significantly increase productivity and income for farmers.

Government Support at Zero Cost

The Edo State Government, through L-PRES, has fully subsidized the programme, making the Artificial Insemination service completely free for participating farmers.

How to Participate

Interested farmers are encouraged to register their animals with the Edo State Ministry of Livestock Development or contact the nearest Livestock Extension Officer in their senatorial district:

📍 Edo South: Mrs. Pamela – 0706 065 8207
📍 Edo North: Mr. Efort – 0816 631 4256
📍 Edo Central: Mr. Elijah – 0706 100 3688

Hurry! Registration is Ongoing

The offer remains open for a limited period. Farmers are advised to take advantage of this opportunity now and position their livestock enterprises for greater productivity, resilience, and profitability.

Edo State L-PRES: Improving Livestock Productivity, Enhancing Farmer Prosperity.

Signed:
Mrs. Ikpikhumi Aghaku Betsy
State Project Coordinator
Edo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES)

14/07/2026

Edo L-PRES Intensifies Stakeholder Engagement Ahead of Slaughter Slab and Livestock Market Projects in Ovia South West Communities

Benin City, Edo State | July 9, 2026

As part of its commitment to promoting sustainable livestock development and strengthening community ownership of government interventions, the Edo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has intensified stakeholder engagement activities in Ovia South West Local Government Area ahead of the commencement of major livestock infrastructure projects in Okokpon and Iguogun Communities.

The sensitization exercise, which formed part of the project's Environmental and Social Safeguards implementation strategy, commenced with a courtesy visit to the Ovia South West Local Government Secretariat before proceeding to the Palace of the Odionwere of Okokpon Community, Chief S. Edo, where community stakeholders gathered for an extensive interactive session.

The engagement was designed to prepare host communities for the construction of modern slaughter slabs and other livestock value chain infrastructure aimed at improving hygienic meat processing, enhancing livestock marketing, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening public health across Edo State.

Leading the Edo State L-PRES delegation was the Social Safeguard Officer, Mr. Gabriel Okhiria, accompanied by the Environmental Safeguard Officer and the Value Chain and Market Linkage Officer.

Addressing stakeholders during the meeting, Mr. Okhiria explained that the sensitization exercise was essential to ensure that community members fully understand the objectives, benefits and implementation process of the project before physical construction begins.

He disclosed that contractors have already been mobilized and that, within the next three weeks, the Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development is expected to perform the official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the slaughter slabs.

According to him, early engagement with traditional institutions, local government authorities, youth groups, women leaders, livestock dealers and other critical stakeholders is necessary to foster community ownership, strengthen transparency and guarantee the long-term sustainability of the investments.

He emphasized that the success of the project depends not only on quality infrastructure but also on the willingness of host communities to protect the facilities from vandalism and ensure proper maintenance after completion.

The Environmental Safeguard Officer further noted that continuous public sensitization remains one of the most effective strategies for securing community support and safeguarding public investments.

He explained that by educating residents on the health, economic and environmental benefits of the intervention, communities become active partners in protecting government assets while ensuring safer meat production and processing practices.

The proposed intervention forms part of Edo State L-PRES' broader livestock value chain development programme, which seeks to establish modern slaughter facilities that meet acceptable hygiene standards, thereby replacing unsafe and unhygienic slaughtering practices.

Beyond improving food safety and public health, the project is expected to stimulate local economic growth through increased livestock trade, expanded market access, job creation for butchers and meat processors, and stronger market linkages for livestock producers.

The infrastructure will also include improved processing areas, upgraded sanitary facilities and modern operational layouts designed to promote efficient handling, dressing and distribution of livestock products.

During the engagement, stakeholders were informed that four slaughter slabs across Edo State will be delivered simultaneously under a single construction contract using uniform engineering standards.

Similarly, three live-animal markets are being developed under separate interventions to strengthen livestock marketing and improve commercial activities within the livestock value chain.

The Value Chain and Market Linkage Officer explained that while two live-animal markets have already been identified, discussions are ongoing regarding the final location of a third market as government continues consultations with relevant stakeholders.

He added that the market interventions will complement the slaughter slab projects by providing organized livestock trading spaces and enhancing value addition within the sector.

The stakeholder engagement attracted wide participation from traditional rulers, community elders, youth leaders, women representatives, cattle dealers, butchers, market associations, local government officials and various community-based organizations.

Participants commended the inclusive approach adopted by the Edo State L-PRES Project, describing it as a model for effective community-driven development.

Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor, expressed appreciation to the Edo State L-PRES Project for selecting communities within the Local Government Area as beneficiaries of the intervention.

He assured the project team that the Local Government and host communities would provide maximum support throughout implementation.

According to him, the project belongs to the people and every stakeholder has a responsibility to ensure its successful ex*****on and sustainability.

Representatives of the youth also welcomed the intervention, noting that the presence of young professionals within the L-PRES implementation team demonstrates government's confidence in youth participation and inclusive governance.

They pledged the cooperation of youths in protecting the facilities throughout construction and after completion.

Community leaders equally reaffirmed their commitment by providing land for the projects and promising continuous collaboration with contractors, government officials and other stakeholders to ensure timely delivery.

As part of measures to guarantee sustainability, community members were encouraged to nominate responsible individuals who would serve as community caretakers after project completion, while residents were also advised to promptly report any issues observed during the estimated four-month construction period.

The Edo State L-PRES Project reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open communication with host communities throughout project implementation.

Project officials stressed that regular stakeholder consultations, environmental and social safeguard compliance, transparent information sharing and active community participation remain central to the successful delivery of all L-PRES interventions across Edo State.

With contractors mobilized, stakeholder support firmly secured and institutional backing from the Ovia South West Local Government Council, the project is now positioned to commence construction activities that will significantly improve hygienic meat production, strengthen livestock value chains and contribute to economic development and food security across the state.

By Marcus B. Unuebho
Communication/ICT Officer,
Edo State L-PRES.

03/07/2026

FG Commissions L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital in Edo, Strengthening Livestock Productivity and Commercialization

Aviele, Edo State | 27th June, 2026

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening livestock infrastructure across Nigeria as part of efforts to improve livestock productivity, commercialization, and resilience while positioning the sector as a viable driver of economic growth and private sector investment.

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha , stated this during the commissioning of the L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Minister explained that, since the inauguration of the current administration, the livestock sector has received renewed attention through strategic investments aimed at reducing unemployment, alleviating poverty, enhancing food security, and supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He disclosed that under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has constructed and equipped seven Model Veterinary Hospitals in Edo, Adamawa, Sokoto, Enugu, Niger, Ondo, and Borno States, with plans underway to establish more facilities across the country.

According to the Minister, the newly commissioned veterinary hospital is equipped with modern facilities that will significantly improve access to quality animal healthcare services, disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive veterinary care. These interventions are expected to boost livestock productivity, reduce animal losses, enhance the quality of livestock products, and strengthen the resilience of livestock producers against animal health challenges.

He encouraged Nigerians to embrace livestock farming, describing the sector as a profitable enterprise with enormous opportunities for employment generation, wealth creation, and sustainable economic development.

Representing the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa , expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the World Bank, and the L-PRES Project for facilitating the establishment of the veterinary hospital in Edo State.

He noted that the facility would improve veterinary service delivery, support livestock farmers and pastoralists, and contribute significantly to the state's agricultural transformation agenda.

The National Project Coordinator of the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar , expressed confidence that the hospital would provide quality veterinary services that will improve livestock health, increase production efficiency, reduce disease outbreaks, and enhance the commercial value of livestock enterprises in Edo State and beyond.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole , commended the Federal Government for the intervention and described the project as a strategic investment capable of transforming the livestock value chain and improving the livelihoods of livestock farmers.

Earlier, the Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Ignatius Omorodion , said the Model Veterinary Hospital is fully equipped with modern veterinary equipment and technology that will strengthen disease diagnosis, treatment, and overall animal healthcare services within Edo North and neighbouring communities.

Chairman of the Etsako West Cattle Market Dealers Association, Alhaji Amedu Rufai , who spoke on behalf of livestock farmers and residents of Aviele, appreciated the World Bank, the Federal Government, and the Edo State Government for bringing the project to the community. He pledged that beneficiaries would protect and make effective use of the facility.

The newly commissioned L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital features state-of-the-art veterinary equipment, a diagnostic laboratory, a fully stocked veterinary pharmacy, and a mobile veterinary clinic on wheels designed to extend quality animal healthcare services to remote livestock-producing communities.

Prior to the commissioning, the Honourable Minister and his delegation visited Uwa Farms in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, where they conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing Mass Artificial Insemination (AI) programme for ruminants under the Edo State L-PRES Project.

The breed improvement programme is one of several strategic interventions being implemented by Edo State L-PRES to improve livestock genetics, increase productivity, promote commercialization, and build a more resilient livestock sector capable of meeting the growing demand for quality meat and dairy products in line with the Project Development Objective (PDO) of the L-PRES Project.

This version places stronger emphasis on how the veterinary hospital and Artificial Insemination programme contribute directly to the L-PRES Project Development Objective, while maintaining a professional news reporting style suitable for publication or dissemination through Edo State L-PRES media channels.

30/06/2026

30/06/2026

Minister of Livestock Development Performs Groundbreaking for Edo Ultra-Modern Livestock Processing Facility, Inaugurates Regional Vaccine Cold Chain Hub

Benin City, Edo State | June 26, 2026

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an ultra-modern livestock processing facility in Edo State, describing the project as a major milestone in Nigeria's drive to transform the livestock sector into a modern, competitive, and investment-driven industry.

The Minister performed the ceremony during his working visit to Edo State, where he commissioned key interventions delivered under the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

The proposed livestock processing facility is designed as a fully integrated, end-to-end automated processing complex with the capacity to process approximately 200 cattle and 500 small ruminants daily. The facility will serve as a strategic hub for livestock aggregation, processing, cold-chain logistics, storage, packaging, and distribution, positioning Edo State as a major livestock processing and agribusiness destination in Nigeria.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, the Minister highlighted the enormous economic opportunities the facility will unlock through value addition and efficient utilization of livestock by-products.

According to him, virtually every component of processed livestock can be converted into valuable industrial products, including calcium for animal feed, pharmaceutical products, leather goods, and other manufacturing inputs, thereby creating additional revenue streams while minimizing waste.

He noted that beyond processing livestock, the facility would stimulate economic growth by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, strengthening livestock value chains, supporting private sector investment, and improving the livelihoods of farmers, processors, traders, transporters, and other actors across the livestock ecosystem.

The Minister further emphasized that the modern processing facility would significantly enhance food safety and public health by ensuring hygienic meat processing practices, reducing the incidence of food-borne diseases, and promoting compliance with national and international food safety standards.

As part of the visit, the Honourable Minister also inaugurated the newly completed 40-million-dose capacity Solar-Powered Strategic Vaccine Storage Cold Chain Facility located at the Edo State Agricultural Hub.

The state-of-the-art facility, implemented under the Edo State L-PRES Project, is designed to maintain optimal storage temperatures required for veterinary vaccines, preserving their potency and ensuring effective disease prevention and control across the livestock sector.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Minister stressed that vaccines must be transported and stored under strictly controlled temperature conditions to retain their effectiveness, noting that compromised storage conditions could reduce vaccine potency and undermine disease control efforts.

He commended the Edo State Government and the Edo State L-PRES Project for investing in critical livestock infrastructure that will not only serve Edo State but also strengthen veterinary service delivery across the South-South geopolitical zone.

The Minister concluded his visit with a strategic engagement involving key stakeholders and major players across the livestock value chain, where discussions focused on strengthening collaboration, promoting private sector participation, enhancing livestock productivity, improving market access, and accelerating sustainable development within Nigeria's livestock sector.

The visit underscores the Federal Government's commitment, in partnership with the World Bank through the L-PRES Project, to modernizing livestock infrastructure, enhancing animal health systems, promoting value addition, creating employment opportunities, and building a resilient livestock economy that contributes meaningfully to national food security and economic development.

By Marcus Bilulu Unuebho,
Communication/ICT Officer, Edo L-PRES

30/06/2026

29/06/2026

FG Launches a Model Veterinary Hospital at Aviele Etsakor West Local Government Area for the State Government on the 27th June 2026.
This facility is constructed under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project to boost livestock Production in the area.

29/06/2026

FG LAUNCHES A MODEL VETERINARY HOSPITAL at Aviele, Etsakor West Local Government Area, Edo State, on the 27th June 2026.

This project was implemented under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project L-PRES.

20/06/2026

THIRD-PARTY MONITORING TEAM COMMENDS EDO STATE L-PRES ASSESSMENT, INSPECTS PROJECTS AND ENGAGES BENEFICIARIES ACROSS THE STATE

Benin City, Edo State | June 18, 2026

The Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) Team on Thursday, June 18, 2026, visited the Edo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project to assess the progress, quality and impact of the project's ongoing interventions aimed at transforming the livestock sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the state.

The monitoring exercise commenced at the Edo State L-PRES Conference Hall, where members of the TPM Team held an interactive session with the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), led by the State Project Coordinator who was represented by the Project Administration Officer and attended by technical officers of the project.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the project team to present comprehensive updates on the implementation status of Edo State L-PRES, highlighting achievements recorded over the past three years, critical investments made in infrastructure and beneficiary support, as well as the project's contributions to social inclusion and sustainable livestock development.

A detailed presentation showcased the project's milestones through documentary evidence, photographs, beneficiary testimonials and other means of verification required for monitoring, evaluation and the World Bank's implementation review process. The presentation underscored Edo State L-PRES' commitment to evidence-based implementation, transparency and accountability in delivering development outcomes.

During the engagement, members of the TPM Team emphasized the importance of maintaining comprehensive means of verification to demonstrate the impact and sustainability of project interventions. They noted that well-documented evidence would strengthen future reviews by the State Employment Office (SEO) and the World Bank while supporting informed decision-making on subsequent phases of the project.

The discussions also focused on sustainability strategies, encouraging the project to continue expanding value-chain interventions, strengthen market linkages and diversify support programmes capable of generating long-term economic benefits for beneficiaries. Participants further stressed the need for continuous engagement with beneficiaries to document real-life livelihood improvements and gather practical evidence on the project's economic impact.

Following the meeting, the TPM Team, accompanied by members of the Project Implementation Unit, embarked on an extensive field assessment to evaluate selected beneficiary projects and ongoing infrastructure developments across Edo State.

At various beneficiary locations, the monitoring team inspected equipment distributed under the project, including de-feathering machines and industrial cold freezers. Beneficiaries demonstrated the practical use of the equipment, explaining how the interventions have significantly improved production efficiency, increased business capacity and enhanced income generation.

Many beneficiaries expressed profound appreciation to the Edo State L-PRES Project, describing the intervention as timely and impactful. They affirmed that the equipment received has reduced operational challenges, expanded their businesses and improved their standard of living.

The team also visited the God's Favour Farmers Women's Cluster in Oredo Local Government Area, where members enthusiastically shared their success stories and future aspirations. The women disclosed plans to expand the cooperative by attracting more members, strengthening collective production and creating additional economic opportunities within their communities.

Speaking during the interaction, the Team Leader and Economist, Mr. Chijoke , commended the group's unity, commitment and organisational structure. He encouraged the women to continue growing their membership, develop sustainable income-generating ventures and establish a corporate bank account to strengthen financial management, accountability and access to future support opportunities.

Mr. Chijoke further assured the group that the monitoring team would continue exploring opportunities capable of supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of their enterprise.

As part of the infrastructure inspection, the TPM Team visited the ongoing construction site of the Artificial Insemination Centre at Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area. The team met with the project contractor and inspected the level of work completed while discussing project timelines, compliance with approved specifications and adherence to occupational health and safety standards.

The monitoring team subsequently proceeded to the construction site of the Cold Chain Facility and Veterinary Diagnostic Centre , also located in Irrua. The strategic facility, designed to strengthen livestock value chains, improve veterinary diagnostic services and reduce post-production losses through enhanced storage infrastructure, was carefully assessed to determine construction progress and quality compliance. Contractors were engaged on implementation timelines and the measures being adopted to ensure timely project delivery.

Throughout the field exercise, members of the Third-Party Monitoring Team interacted directly with beneficiaries, contractors and project officials, obtaining first-hand information on the effectiveness, challenges and sustainability of various interventions.

The monitoring visit provided the team with valuable insights into the achievements of the Edo State L-PRES Project while validating the tangible impact of its investments on livestock farmers, processors, women's groups and rural communities across the state.

The Edo State L-PRES Project remains steadfast in its commitment to improving livestock productivity, strengthening resilience within the livestock value chain and enhancing the socio-economic wellbeing of livestock farmers through strategic investments, capacity building and the provision of critical infrastructure across Edo State.

CICT UNIT
EDO STATE L-PRES