Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has started the revival of a 60-year-old abandoned veterinary centre in Izhianmbo. The project, according to his administration, will create 2,000 jobs and address contemporary veterinary education, health, and agricultural needs. The facility, which was abandoned for six decades, sits on 295 hectares of land and will comprise a veterinary college, modern abattoirs, hospital, grazing reserves, and farming enclaves.
The massive facility will have 86 buildings, including administrative purposes, students' hostels, staff quarters, and lecture theatres. Contracts for 27 of the proposed buildings have been awarded, and construction is in progress. Governor Nwifuru disclosed this during an inspection of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) Centre. He emphasized that the project will provide jobs for the people and ensure livestock production meets global standards.
According to Governor Nwifuru, work on some sections, especially access roads, was stalled due to the rainy season. However, full construction will commence in November. He urged indigenes of the area to exhibit ownership spirit and thanked them for their cooperation, noting that no contractor has complained of theft or disruption. The Governor assured that by December this year, many buildings will be completed.
The State L-PRES Consultant, Dr Usman Ali Lawan, commended Governor Nwifuru for his proactivity and foresight in initiating people-centric projects. He said the project is designed to ensure livestock production meets global standards while providing jobs for the people. Dr Lawan conducted the Governor round the facility, highlighting its potential to boost the local economy.
The veterinary centre will have a grazing reserve with 2,000 herding capacity and farming enclaves for piggery, grasscutters, and other ruminants. Governor Nwifuru emphasized that the project will have a significant impact on the state's economy and provide employment opportunities for the youth. He expressed optimism that the project will be completed on schedule and become a hub for veterinary education and livestock production.
Governor Nwifuru's administration has made significant progress in reviving the abandoned veterinary centre. With 295 hectares of land available, the project has the potential to become a major hub for livestock production and veterinary education in the region. The Governor's efforts have been commended by stakeholders, who see the project as a boost to the state's economy and a solution to unemployment.
The revival of the veterinary centre is part of Governor Nwifuru's efforts to promote agricultural development and create jobs in Ebonyi State. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the state's economy and provide a source of livelihood for thousands of residents. With construction set to commence in earnest, stakeholders are optimistic that the project will be completed on schedule and achieve its objectives.
Key points
- The project aims to create 2,000 jobs and address contemporary veterinary education, health, and agricultural needs.
- The facility will comprise a veterinary college, modern abattoirs, hospital, grazing reserves, and farming enclaves.
- Construction of the project is expected to be completed by December this year, with full construction commencing in November.
