By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration ,FCTA, has partnered with investors to boost livestock development and create jobs in the territory.
Mr Ibe Chukwuemeka, FCT Acting secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2021 world milk day at Paikon-Kore in Abuja.
He said the Administration recognises the important role that the livestock sub-sector play in attaining food security, creation of jobs and improve the well-being of residents, and would keep partnering with key stakeholders.
“The FCT Administration no doubt recognises the important role that the livestock sub-sector play in its desire to attain food security, create jobs and improve the general well-being of the residents”
The Acting secretary explained that the Administration has been in collaboration with investors such as Nestle Foods Plc in upgrading activities at the grazing reserves across the Federal Capital.
Chukwuemeka represented by Mrs. Ann Ijeoma, Director Administration Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, said the Administration was working with Africa Development Bank,AfDB, in the implementation of the special Agro-industrial processing zones, SAPZ, with emphasis on the livestock development and its value chains.
“The Agric secretariat has been able to organise dairy farmers in the FCT into various cooperative groups to enable them easily access support.
“We have equally train the farmers on milk handling practices to help improve the quality and market value of their products”
In her remarks, the Acting Director animal husbandry, Ngozi Mbaka said the secretariat would continue to provide the needed infrastructure in the grazing reserves as well as empower livestock farmers in all the Six Area Councils.
The event attracted most of the pastoralists within and outside the Paikon-Kore in Gwagwalada Area Council.
