By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has commissioned the Aviele Model Veterinary Hospital in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State as part of efforts to modernise veterinary healthcare, improve livestock productivity and strengthen food security across Nigeria.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the facility as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda under the Renewed Hope programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Maiha said the state-of-the-art veterinary hospital was constructed through the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) to improve access to quality animal healthcare services while boosting livestock production and economic development.
According to him in a statement by the Deputy Director Information and public Relations, Henrietta Okokon on Sunday, the Aviele facility is one of seven model veterinary hospitals already completed in Edo, Adamawa, Sokoto, Enugu, Niger, Ondo and Borno states, while another 14 hospitals are at different stages of completion across participating states under the project.
The minister noted that the investment aligns with the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), which provides the roadmap for transforming the country’s livestock sector through improved infrastructure, disease surveillance, veterinary services and increased private sector participation.
He explained that the hospital is equipped with modern facilities, including surgical theatres, diagnostic laboratories, radiology units, consulting rooms and ambulatory services designed to provide efficient animal healthcare, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Maiha said the facility would serve as a centre of excellence for veterinary practice, research, training and disease diagnosis while improving livestock productivity and protecting public health through the One Health approach.
He stressed the need for continuous training and retraining of veterinary personnel to ensure the effective operation and long-term sustainability of the hospital.
The minister also commended the Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, alongside the State Executive Council, the Edo State House of Assembly and other stakeholders for supporting the successful implementation of L-PRES projects in the state.
He urged veterinary professionals and other users of the facility to maintain the hospital properly and uphold professional ethics and global best practices in veterinary service delivery.
Maiha reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a resilient, productive and globally competitive livestock sector capable of creating jobs, improving food security and driving inclusive economic growth.
