Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Collins Nnabuife
Published on 2024-03-07 15:01:55
The President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr. Moses Arokoyo, delivered a powerful message on the critical role of veterinarians in national development. At the Annual Leadership Summit/Investiture of the NVMA, with the theme ‘Repositioning the Veterinary Profession for Food Security and National Development’, Dr. Arokoyo emphasized the urgent need to prioritize food security and combat zoonotic diseases.
One of the key points highlighted by Dr. Arokoyo was the significance of mass livestock vaccination in preventing economically devastating outbreaks. He stressed the importance of deploying veterinarians across local government areas to support disease surveillance and intervention, pointing out the potential repercussions of a single disease outbreak on national activities. By taking proactive measures such as mass vaccinations, veterinarians can play a crucial role in safeguarding both livestock welfare and public health.
Additionally, Dr. Arokoyo outlined how veterinarians could contribute significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through innovative livestock management practices and strategic public-private partnerships. He appealed for the government’s support and empowerment of the veterinary profession, citing the economic impact of various veterinary interventions. By investing in veterinary services, the government can ensure sustainable food security and bolster the nation’s economy.
The NVMA President also advocated for increased veterinarian employment to enhance livestock welfare and food security. He raised concerns about the government’s decision to defund the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, stressing the potential negative consequences on public health and food security. Dr. Arokoyo highlighted the potential economic contribution of veterinarians, stating that they could contribute N420 billion to the nation’s GDP. This underscores the significant role that veterinarians can play in national development, particularly in ensuring food security for all Nigerians.
AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), echoed Dr. Arokoyo’s sentiments on the role of veterinarians in addressing food insecurity and supporting the country’s livestock reform agenda. She reaffirmed the commitment to repositioning the veterinary profession to align with the nation’s development objectives and ensure sustainable food security for all Nigerians. By working together with government agencies and stakeholders, veterinarians can make a significant impact in advancing food security and national development initiatives.
In conclusion, the messages delivered by Dr. Arokoyo and AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju highlight the critical role of veterinarians in promoting food security and national development in Nigeria. By prioritizing disease surveillance, mass vaccination, and innovative livestock management practices, veterinarians can make a substantial contribution to the nation’s GDP and ensure the well-being of both livestock and citizens. It is essential for the government to support and empower the veterinary profession to achieve sustainable food security and economic growth for the nation.
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