Veterinary Council of Nigeria has decried shortage of manpower in Veterinary services in the country, calling on the government to invest in Veterinary training institutions, employ Veterinary professionals inorder to raise adequate manpower for the services and l boost the economy of the nation.
President of the Council , Prof Matthew Adamu and other stakeholders made the call on Saturday at the 2025 World Veterinary Day celebration, organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association( NVMA) in conjunction with the ministry of Agriculture and Agro- Industrialization, Enugu in Enugu .
He commented Enugu state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for his huge investment in the Agricultural sector, noting that the multi- billion naira ranch project coming up in the livestock unit of the sector In Enugu state was laudable. Adamu urged government at all levels to harness the resources at their disposal, saying ,” If we harnessed the resources at our disposal, we will do better.”
The Presiden disclosed that investment in livestock could yield multi – billion naira revenue annually . He cited Lagos state as an example, saying that Lagos state government collects N4000 from each N4,500 paid on every cow slaughtered in Lagos slaughter houses.
Prof Adamu who also inducted Veterinary -Para professionals in the state, urged the newly inductees to work as a team and practice within their limit.
Speaking along the sideline of the Theme of the event, “Animal Health Takes a Team” , the President described the newly inductees as critical stakeholders. He advised them saying, “As you come into the Veterinary profession, please practice within the limit . If you have complicated issues, do a referral. We have a teaching hospital where we have Experts that will take up the case(s).”
In his address, the Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Mbah said his administration has initiated transformative projects to improve animal health, provide food security in the state and the country.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro- Industrialization , Patrick Ubru , Governor Mbah said, the World Veterinary Day ” is a day dedicated to acknowledge the relentless commitment and excellence of veterinary professionals across the globe”.
According to him, this year’s theme, “Animal Health Takes a Team,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of collaboration required to secure the health of animals, our communities, and our environment.”
He said, “In Enugu State, we firmly believe that building robust animal health systems is a team effort; a synergy among veterinarians, para-veterinarians, policymakers, farmers, academics, and community stakeholders. Together, we are driving a transformative agenda that bolsters not only animal health but also our nation’s agriculture and food security.”
Commending the President and the National Executive Council of the NVMA for hosting the event in Enugu State , Governor Mbah said “, your unwavering support and visionary leadership fortify our shared mission for excellence in animal health care. Following this esteemed recognition, I am delighted to mark another landmark achievement of today’s event: the licensing and certification of para-veterinary graduates from the State Veterinary School and Investigation Center, Achi by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN).”
He congratulated the newly certified veterinary para- professionals; saying, they had joined the formidable team that is dedicated to enhancing animal health, preventing disease, and securing the nation’s food supply
“On today’s proceedings is the official inauguration of the Veterinary Practice and Premises Regulations Committee by the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN). This committee will play a critical role in ensuring that veterinary practices and facilities meet the highest standards, reinforcing our collective commitment to quality and accountability in the delivery of veterinary services in the state”
He highlighted some of the transformative projects initiated by his administration as follows: “,the Enugu State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranching Control Acts ; Revamping of the School of Veterinary and Investigation Center, Achi.
“This project represents our commitment to elevating veterinary education and training to international standards. I’m happy that today the Veterinary Council Nigeria has recognized our effort in this direction by certifying our para-vets graduates.
“Upgrade of the State Veterinary Clinic: We are transforming this facility into a state-of-the-art Artificial Insemination Center and Diagnostic Center, thereby enhancing our capabilities in livestock reproduction and disease management.
“Construction of the South East Regional Veterinary Reference Hospital: a world bank assisted initiative in partnership with the state government coordinated by the L-Press Team.” He explained that “This pioneering project is set to become a regional benchmark for excellence in veterinary care.
” The progress we celebrate is a testament to the collective energy and collaboration within our entire animal health community.,” he said.
In his speech, the President of the NVMA Dr. Moses Arokovo, who was represented by Dr. Gloria Daminabo, said the Theme of the event was apt. . He said that “collaboration is the heartbeat of sustainable animals health systems. From Veterinarians and para- veterinary professionals to farmers , researchers, policymakers and a private sector stakeholders, our collaborative strength lies in our ability to work together across disciplines and borders”.
Pix: Representative of the President, Dr. Gloria Daminabo
He said the association had strengthened it’s advocacy for better animal health policies, improved access to quality veterinary drugs and empowered the next generation of Veterinarians., empowering some with over N32 million grants
He disclosed that ” challenges still remain issues of unemployment of adequate veterinary manpower by most government institutions antimicrobial resistance, transboundary animal diseases, emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases, poor veterinary infrastructure and the need for a better coordination among stakeholders.
Dr Arokoya expressed the confidence that ” with continued dedication and team work they can overcome.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Godwin Abonyi , commended the Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Mbah for his administration”s developmental strides in the state , especially his transformation in the agricultural sector.
The President said “the Governor has shown keen interest in the Veterinary profession. The ultra- modern Veterinary hospital project in Enugu state is nearly completed” he said.
He lamented that government does not provide adequate manpower to man all aspects of Veterinary services in the state .
In his speech, the chairman of NVMA, Enugu state chapter, Dr Joseph Iloh, decried inadequate manpower of Veterinary professionals in the 17 Local Government Areas of the state . He called for an increased manpower to cover all the areas in the Veterinary services, urging government to employ Veterinary professionals.
Dr Iloh commended Enugu state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah for his good works in the state and his support to the NVMA. He said the state government collaborates with the Association in the execution of it’s projects, adding that they were always carried along in decision making on veterinary issues and projects in the state.
On the ranch project of the state government, Dr. Iloh said they were consulted and they were part of the project, ensuring that everything was done according to standard.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof Chinedu Athanasius Eze also spoke along side other speakers.
Highlights of the event were induction of Veterinary para- Professionals and issuance of certificates and VCN Licences to the newly inductees.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama