* Creates wealth through Agric Value Chain.
ATABOR JULIUS LOKOJA
The Governor of Kogi state Yahaya Bello has reiterated the administration’s commitment to creating wealth through the agricultural value chain.
This is just as he challenged the professionals to fight against quackery in the industry which has negated the growth of the industry with its consequences on the citizenry.
Governor Bello disclosed this at the official flag off of the 2022 Kogi Veterinary Week and free vaccination which was held on Thursday in Lokoja.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Edward Onoja said that the state government has been able to put an end to the Age long farmers and herders crisis in the state.
Bello added that it has been able to boost Agricultural productivity through mutual relationship between herders and farmers in the state.
Gov. Bello who also bagged the award of excellence assures Animal Medicine Practitioners of government’s continuous support especially for their campaign against quackery.
In his address, Kogi State commissioner Agriculture, David Apeh noted that Kogi State Governor has massively supported the Veterinary Medical Profession and the Ministry of Agriculture.
He added that 26 Veterinary Doctors were recruited into the system, saying several vaccines were deployed for the annual anti rabies and Trans Border disease control campaign.
The National President of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Mrs. Olutoyin Adetuberu thanked the Governor for the continued support given to the Veterinary Profession. She added that the same support made it possible for the Kogi state chapter to host the National Congress of the Association in 2019.
Speaking about the danger of Rabies, Mrs. Oluwatoyin said “Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that affects all warm blooded mammals. In Nigeria, the disease is primarily transmitted by bites from dogs and it is portending significant public health risk”.
She , however appealed to the state government to consider the implementation of the reversed Conmess for veterinary doctors, just like their counterparts in the human medicine to enhance their efficiency.
According to the Keynote speaker, Dr. Olatunji Nasir, the rabies disease, though dangerous can be managed and is avoidable depending on how it is being managed. He added that the Commonwealth Veterinary Association has a vision to eradicate rabies by the year 2030.
Dr. Olatunji added that rabies can be transmitted not necessarily bites, but it can be transmitted by contact with saliva of an infected Dog or other mammals.
He charged dog eaters to be careful in the consumption of dogs as dogs that appears to be healthy can also be infected by the rabies virus.
He said “communities must be aware of dangers of rabies and break the culture of silence especially when there is a situation of dog bite”
The Kogi State Commissioner for health, Dr. Zekeri Usman said that there is no difference between Human and Animal medicine hence he can confirm that though Rabies is avoidable but it is very fatal. He however itemized control measures for rabies to include avoiding slaughter of infected animals, restriction of movement of such animals among others.
While addressing newsmen after the flag off, the Kogi State Chairman of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Victor Eyikojonwa Amedu warned unqualified Veterinary practitioners to desist from the practice adding that there are laws guiding the practice and such must be strictly observed.
The week long activities is scheduled to include free vaccination against trans-boundary animal diseases , dog walks and shows.
