“The goat farming hub is expected to serve as a central point for aggregation, processing and distribution of goat products within and outside the state, while linking farmers to both local and international markets”
By John Odunayo
The Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Moba Kingdom, HRM Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, has expressed gratitude to the state government for planning to establish a commercial goat farming hub in his community, Otun Ekiti.
The project, which Ekiti State Government is undertaking through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support(L-PRES) is aimed at boosting livestock production particularly the sheep and goat value chain and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers in the state.
The World Bank initiative which falls under L-PRES project is designed to enhance goat production, promote agribusiness, and strengthen the goat value chain in the state.
Oba Adeagbo, who spoke in Ado Ekiti during a stakeholders’ meeting on the project, pledged the support of the traditional institution “to ensure sustainability and ownership of the hub.
“The initiative will open new economic opportunities for farmers and youth in our area,” Oba Adeagbo said.
L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Mr Olayinka Adedipe, said, “Otun Ekiti is strategically selected based on the volume of business transactions on sheep and goat both within and outside the state and existing and formidable sheep and goat clusters in the town.
“There is the need to modernise the goat market in Otun Ekiti, so as to expand the business in a hygienic environment that will enhance more participation leading to income and revenue generation for the people and the government respectively.
“The hub will serve as a model for modern goat farming practices, serve as a training and production center where farmers will gain access to improved breeds, veterinary services, and modern husbandry techniques,” Adedipe said.
Also speaking, L-PRES Value Chain Officer, Mrs Adenike Omoleye, noted that the hub would not only enhance productivity, but also would provide farmers access to veterinary services, input supply, and structured markets.
She noted that the project would strengthen market access and increase income for goat farmers in the state.
Omoleye said that women and youth will play a central role in the project’s implementation, adding, “The Goat Hub is expected to serve as a central point for aggregation, processing and distribution of goat products within and outside the state, while linking farmers to both local and international markets”.
The sheep and goat value chain is part of the broader L-PRES programme, which is supported by the World Bank, Federal and Ekiti State Government to boost livestock production, build resilience against climate change, and ensure sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria.
