Federal government reaffirms commitment to dairysector growth, training 100 farmers in Oyo.

James Emejo in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reiterated the federal government’s pledge to transform Nigeria’s dairy sector through grassroots capacity development, after training 100 small‑scale dairy farmers in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The programme, organised by the ministry, aimed to provide participants with practical knowledge on best‑practice dairy farming, improved husbandry methods, and sustainable milk production, collection, and processing.
Speaking at the event, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, called the initiative timely and essential for strengthening dairy farmers’ capacity and advancing national dairy output.
He stated, “As we continue to push for self‑sufficiency in livestock production, initiatives like this remind us that real transformation begins with empowering farmers at the grassroots.
This training is essential to improving productivity, ensuring quality, and building a sustainable dairy value chain that benefits rural communities and the nation at large.”
In a statement released by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Livestock, Henrietta Okokon, Ajimobi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking the livestock sector’s full economic potential through targeted policies, strategic partnerships, and impactful programmes.
He urged the trainees to apply the knowledge gained and act as change agents in their communities.
The Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Florence Kalulu, highlighted the role of small‑scale dairy farmers in Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem, noting their contribution to food security and rural economic development.
She said, “Smallholder dairy farmers are the backbone of local milk production. Their resilience and dedication continue to sustain communities across this state and beyond.”
Kalulu acknowledged existing challenges such as low productivity, poor animal‑health management, inadequate hygiene practices, and limited access to modern techniques, stressing that addressing these issues is vital for improving the quality, safety, and profitability of dairy production.
She added that the initiative aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL‑GAS), which seeks to boost productivity, enhance farmers’ livelihoods, reduce import dependence, and strengthen national food and nutrition security.
Kalulu remarked, “This training is not just about learning, but about transformation. We expect participants to become ambassadors of good practices, sharing knowledge and inspiring others within their communities.”
In her remarks, the President of the Women in Dairy Production Association (WIDPA), Mrs. Racheal Eyitayo‑Ariori, praised the federal government’s renewed focus on the dairy sector and called for greater inclusion of women in dairy production.
She noted, “When small‑scale dairy farmers are supported, the impact on the economy is significant, with increased milk production and broader economic benefits.”
Eyitayo‑Ariori also highlighted Oyo State’s strategic importance for agricultural production in the South‑West region.
One participant, Moyosore Olatunde, who has been involved in dairy farming for more than ten years, expressed optimism about the sector’s future and urged greater youth participation.
He said, “We need more young people to come into dairy farming with innovative ideas, and this can happen faster when the government provides the necessary support.”
The statement indicated that the training combined classroom instruction, interactive discussions, pictorial demonstrations, and hands‑on practical sessions, and included the distribution of essential inputs such as heifers, feed, and salt licks to boost productivity and improve dairy operations.
The ministry also reaffirmed its intention to scale similar interventions nationwide as part of broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector and ensure sustainable growth in dairy production.
The curriculum covered key topics including sustainable feed supply through improved pasture development and feed conservation, breed improvement, feeding practices for milking cows, herd health management, and opportunities in milk collection and handling.