Kwara SAPZ: Govt. Trains Pastoralists on Artificial Insemination, Improved Cattle Breed Management to Maximise Milk, Meat Productivity

Kwara SAPZ: Govt. Trains Pastoralists on Artificial Insemination, Improved Cattle Breed Management to Maximise Milk, Meat Productivity

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...‎Gov. AbdulRazaq’s Livestock Revolution Drives Prosperity for Farmers - Livestock Commissioner

‎The Kwara State Government, through the Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, has intensified its commitment to improving milk and meat production in the State by equipping pastoralists with knowledge and practical skills in artificial insemination (AI) and the management of improved cattle breeds during a three-day capacity-building workshop held in Ilorin.

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The three-day workshop, conducted by Skystream Global Concept Limited, was aimed at exposing and equipping pastoralists with modern livestock technologies to boost animal productivity in the livestock business.

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‎Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, and Chairperson of the Kwara SAPZ Technical Committtee, Honourable Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the training was the first phase of the state government's commitment to updating pastoralists on modern approaches and technologies for cattle production and improved meat and milk productivity among the practitioners in the state.

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‎Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, the Commissioner explained that the sixty-eight participants comprised pastoralists and livestock extension agents who were drawn from across the sites of Kwara SAPZ project locations: Olodan in Ifelodun LGA; Afon in Asa LGA, Gidan Magajiya in Baruten LGA; Kinnikinni in Kaiama LGA and Malete in Moro LGA.

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‎The Commissioner who applauded the state government for keying into the National Policy on Livestock Development, stated that the government's giant stride in the livestock sector has liberalised and revolutionised the industry as the sector now attracts increasing number of people, who see ample opportunities in the industry.

‎Exposing the pastoralists to the height of success and opportunities in livestock farming, the Commissioner sensitised them that the industry was no longer limited to subsistence or domestic production but has significant potential as a viable commercial enterprise.

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‎She then charged the pastoralists on resilience and devotion, adding that with the knowledge gained through the training on artificial Insemination and improved cattle breed management, the vision of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, towards enhanced productivity in dairy and beef production will come to a reality.

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‎Welcoming participants to the occasion, the State Project Coordinator, Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, disclosed that the training focused on key factors affecting livestock productivity, including good feeding, a conducive production environment, and improved genetics for reproductive efficiency.

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‎Busari, who explained that the training was designed to provide participants with step-by-step knowledge and practical skills in the application of AI and mastery of improved cattle breed management for increased animal, milk and meat production, emphasised that since Kwara-SAPZ Project is livestock value chain-focused, “it is our responsibility to enlighten the pastoralists on how to manage improved breeds and support their transition from traditional cattle-rearing practices to commercial oriented and productive livestock management systems."

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‎He thanked the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is the Chairman, Kwara-SAPZ Steering Committee, for regular payment of counterpart and provision of necessary facilities to ensure smooth implementation, stating that the training will be annual with support for each of the Kwara SAPZ trainings.

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The coordinator also observed that the ATCs, which serve as raw material-producing sites, would create market and investment opportunities for actors across the livestock value-chain both nationally and internationally.

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‎"The participants are expected to leave the programme as better-equipped pastoralists who can harness the available modern livestock technologies to shoot up gains in the enterprise. Therefore, the knowledge gained will be cascaded to the grassroots levels", he explained.

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In his remark, the Lead Cosultant, Skystream Global Concept Limited, Dr. Bolaji Afolabi, said the sixty-eight participants were lucky to meet with and have various practical and interactive sessions with technologists, animal scientists, and other experts in animal and milk production, urging them to see farming as a business.

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‎Dr. Afolabi disclosed that when pastoralists in the State are exposed to better trends and practices, they would be better equipped and contribute to bridging the gap between Nigeria's dairy industry and global standards ‎particularly through the adoption of improved and crossbred cattle for enhanced milk production.

The resource persons, Dr. Bolaji Afolabi; Mr. John Adekunle; Mr Yiosese and Dr. Ibrahim Ayanda had sessions with the participants on AI Equipment Handling, Liquid Nitrogen Management; Semen handling and Thawing, Economics of AI, and others.

The high points of the workshop were practical demonstrations of artificial insemination and symbolic presentation of certificates to participants.

Also in attendance at the occasion were the Director, Livestock Services, Mallam Umar Ahmed Mohammed; Director, Veterinary Services Dr. Abdullateef Olugbon; and other staff members of the Kwara-SAPZ.

Sangodare Ayinla,

KMCO,

Kwara-SAPZ

07033530735

21/8/2026